Feet absorb all the stress from a person’s daily activities. Most people wear shoes and socks regularly, which hide foot problems until it’s too late. An ingrown toenail is one such condition that strikes most patients by surprise. From his practice in the 3rd Avenue, New York City, Lionel G. Hausman, DPM, treats ingrown toenails and can perform a simple in-office treatment to relieve the pain and correct the growth of the nail.
An ingrown toenail is a common condition that can affect anyone. Ingrown toenails happen when a portion of the nail grows into the soft skin of the toe. It’s important to make an appointment to see Dr. Hausman if you feel you have an ingrown toenail. Home care can lead to further complications that can prolong healing while causing significantly more discomfort.
Luckily, ingrown toenails are easily identifiable. Patients commonly experience pain from an ingrown nail in the toe and foot. The pain usually is accompanied by redness and swelling in the affected area and radiates near the ingrown toenail. A skin infection may develop around the toe because of the ingrown nail, and in some severe cases, an infection of the bone may develop.
There are many possible causes of ingrown toenails including:
An uncommon cause of an ingrown toenail is a naturally rounded toe. Wearing shoes appropriate for the activity is important, as footwear is the biggest cause of ingrown toenails.
Dr. Hausman first identifies the cause of the ingrown nail and uses the information to recommend preventative care for the problem. Dr. Hausman performs a simple in-office treatment to relieve the pain as well as correcting the growth of the toenail.
Aftercare can differ, depending on the treatment. Dr. Hausman may treat the area with antibiotics to eliminate the possibility of infection. He also discusses the cause of the ingrown nail with patients and recommends prevention to help them avoid repeat problems.
Call the office or schedule an appointment online to take control of your foot health today.
