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Ingrown Toenail Specialist

Richmond Podiatry Associates Our Services Ingrown Toenail

Richmond Podiatry Associates

Podiatry & Diabetic Wound Care Specialists located in Staten Island, NY

An ingrown toenail might not be life-threatening, but this seemingly small problem has a way of hijacking your overall comfort — even a brush with a bedsheet can cause agony. At Dr. Tek Footcare, Tekchand Thakurdial, DPM, is able to quickly and easily resolve your ingrown toenail, bringing you much-needed relief. If you’re struggling with a painful ingrown toenail, call the Staten Island, New York, office or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

What is an ingrown toenail?

As the name implies, an ingrown toenail is a nail that grows into the soft flesh around your nail, rather than up and over it. As the nail digs in, it can cause inflammation and considerable pain. If it goes untreated, an ingrown toenail can break the skin and lead to an infection. 

Ingrown toenails typically affect your big toe, but they can develop in other toes, as well.

The most common signs of an ingrown toenail include:

  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Pus

If your ingrown toenail is causing pain or you notice pus, Dr. Tek is able to quickly remedy the problem before it blossoms into something bigger. This is especially important for those patients with diabetes, as any problem in your feet has the potential to lead to serious consequences, including slow-healing ulcers.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails can develop for many reasons, including:

  • Not trimming your toenails straight across
  • Cutting your toenails too short
  • Wearing shoes that crowd your toes

You may also have naturally curved toenails that are simply more prone to becoming ingrown.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

After examining your toenail, Dr. Tek typically removes or lifts the piece of nail that’s digging into your flesh. Before he does this, he applies a topical anesthetic for your comfort. After he removes or lifts the offending piece of nail, you should experience immediate relief, though it may take a day or two for the inflammation to completely subside.

If your ingrown toenail has become infected, Dr. Tek may also place you on antibiotics to be sure to eliminate the infection.

If you have chronic problems with ingrown toenails because of unusually shaped toenails, Dr. Tek may take a more proactive approach and remove the side of your nail and the corresponding nail bed completely to prevent the nail from becoming ingrown time and again as it grows out.

If you have diabetes, it’s imperative that you seek Dr. Tek’s help in treating your ingrown toenail, which means you should avoid trying to resolve the issue at home at all costs.

For relief from your ingrown toenail, call Dr. Tek Footcare or request an appointment using the online scheduling tool.

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