Your podiatrists in New York, NY, can help if you have an ingrown toenail
If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you already know how painful it can be. An ingrown toenail can make it painful and difficult to put on shoes, walk around, or even stand. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to prevent an ingrown toenail. If you do develop an ingrown toenail, it’s a comfort to know your podiatrist can help.
Dr. Elizabeth Youngewirth and Dr. Irina Blustein in New York City, NY, offer a wide range of foot care services, including treatment of ingrown toenails. They proudly serve residents of New York City, Inwood, and Washington Heights, NY, and they can help you too.
To prevent ingrown toenails, remember to:
- Cut your toenails straight across, and don’t round the corners
- Avoid cutting your toenails too short
- Wear appropriate, protective shoes, especially when playing a sport
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box, so your toes don’t get crushed together
So, how do you know if you have an ingrown toenail? Your toe will:
- Look dark, swollen, or bruised
- Feel painful due to pressure underneath the nail
What can you do about an ingrown toenail? You can try:
- Soaking your toe in warm water several times each day
- Placing a piece of dental floss under the nail to push the nail out of your skin
- Applying over-the-counter antibiotic cream around the nail
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Cushioning your toe with bandages and elevating your foot
- Wearing sandals or open-toe shoes while your toe heals
Stubborn, severely painful ingrown toenails need treatment by your podiatrist. Professional treatments include:
- Lifting your toenail so it separates from your skin; will allow your toenail to grow freely
- Trimming off part of your toenail; will allow your toenail to grow normally
- Removing the entire toenail; will allow a healthy toenail to grow in its place
To learn more about the prevention and treatment of ingrown toenails and other footcare services, call Dr. Elizabeth Youngewirth and Dr. Irina Blustein in New York City, NY, serving residents of New York City, Inwood, and Washington Heights, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (212) 567-6126, so call now!