Are you tempted to dismiss that slight discomfort from your toenail as nothing serious? Ignoring an ingrown toenail, however, can lead to a cascade of painful and potentially severe complications.
So, what happens if I ignore my ingrown toenail?
If left untreated, the ingrown part of the nail can cause increasing pain and swelling, eventually leading to skin piercing and infection. This infection can result in redness, pus and the formation of hypergranulation tissue, which may require podiatry intervention to remove the problematic nail and manage the infection.
Consequences of Ignoring Treatment
Ignoring the signs of an ingrown toenail can lead to severe complications, making early and effective treatment crucial.
- Risk of Severe Infection: Leaving an ingrown toenail can lead to serious infections that might not only affect the toe but can spread to other parts of the body if untreated.
- Potential for More Invasive Treatments: Ignoring early treatment often results in the need for more invasive surgical procedures later, which could have been avoided with timely podiatric intervention.
- Long-term Damage to the Toe: Chronic ingrown toenails can cause lasting damage to the tissues in the toe, potentially leading to deformities and chronic pain.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Preventing ingrown toenails is crucial not only for maintaining comfort but also for avoiding painful complications. The following strategies can help ensure your toenails remain healthy and correctly shaped, reducing the risk of them becoming ingrown.
Regular Nail Trimming
It is advisable to trim your nails straight across and not too short. This technique prevents the corners of the nail from growing into the surrounding skin, which is a common cause of ingrown toenails. The use of appropriate tools, such as a clean, sharp nail clipper or scissors, also ensures a clean cut that doesn’t leave small pieces at the nail edges.
Appropriate Footwear
Wearing shoes that fit well and provide ample space for the toes to move freely is important. Tight shoes, or those with a narrow toe box, can compress the toes and force the nails into the skin, leading to ingrown toenails.
For individuals who are particularly susceptible to this condition, opting for footwear with a wider front can make a significant difference in maintaining toenail health.
Monitoring Foot Health
Regular inspection of your feet and toenails helps you catch potential problems early. Look for signs of abnormalities, such as swelling, redness, pain or changes in nail colour or texture. Early detection of these signs can help prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious conditions. This regular monitoring becomes even more crucial for those with diabetes or poor circulation, as they are at higher risk for foot complications.
When to Consult a Podiatrist
While some toenail issues can be managed with home care, certain symptoms should prompt a consultation with a professional. Here are critical signs that indicate the need for professional help:
Persistent or Worsening Pain
Persistent or increasing pain may signal a more serious condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. For example, continuous pain could be a sign of a bone fracture, a deep-set fungal infection or even underlying circulatory problems that only professional interventions can diagnose and treat effectively.
Signs of Infection
Symptoms such as redness, swelling, warmth and the presence of pus or an unpleasant odour indicate an infection that could quickly worsen without proper treatment. Infections can lead to more severe health issues, including the spread of the infection into the bloodstream or other areas of the body, making prompt and effective treatment essential.
No Improvement with Home Care
Sometimes, seemingly straightforward symptoms like pain or discolouration might be indicative of more complex health issues that home remedies cannot address. Consulting a professional ensures that you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Get Expert Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Lidcombe Podiatry
Struggling with the discomfort of an ingrown toenail? Don’t let pain become a part of your daily routine. At Lidcombe Podiatry, our experts provide specialised care that targets the root cause of your ingrown toenail, ensuring you get the relief you need with the least discomfort. Whether it’s your first time dealing with an ingrown toenail or if you’re experiencing recurrent issues, our tailored treatments can help restore your foot health effectively.
Take the first step towards pain-free feet today! Call us at (02) 8745 6297 or visit our Contact Us page for more information and to book an appointment.
