LOCATED IN MANSFIELD, TX & FORT WORTH, TX
Ingrown toenails can be quite painful, particularly when they become infected, and they may necessitate medical treatment for proper healing. Bryan Molen, DPM, an expert podiatrist located in Mansfield, Texas, and Fort Worth, Texas, offers comprehensive care for ingrown toenails with convenient same-day and next-day appointments, ensuring that you feel better as soon as possible. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
What is an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that occurs when one corner of your toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. This can result in inflammation, pain, and sometimes infection. While the big toe is often affected, ingrown toenails can develop in any of your toenails. Your risk increases if you have diabetes or other conditions that impede blood flow.
In many cases, at-home care is effective in treating ingrown toenails, but certain instances may require medical intervention.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
The hallmark symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
Swelling
Infection
Inflamed skin
Pus
Pain
Tenderness
Warmth
Redness
Pus, warmth, and redness may indicate an infection that could spread and cause significant discomfort if left untreated.
Complications can be particularly serious if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in your feet.
What are the risk factors for ingrown toenails?
The causes and risk factors associated with ingrown toenails include:
Having curved toenails
Toenail injuries
Wearing tightly-fitted shoes
Cutting your toenails too short
Not cutting your nails straight across
Certain medical conditions
Nail infections
Being a teenager
Certain types of physical activity
Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
You can reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails by trimming your nails straight across, keeping them at a moderate length, wearing properly fitting shoes, regularly checking your feet if you have diabetes, and using protective footwear for physically demanding occupations.
How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?
To diagnose an ingrown toenail, Dr. Molen will examine the affected nail and the surrounding skin, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms with you. He will also explain the available treatment options and inform you about what to expect.
How is an ingrown toenail treated?
For the treatment of ingrown toenails, you may try home remedies such as soaking your feet in lukewarm water with Epsom salts several times a day. Additionally, opting for comfortable, open-toed shoes can provide relief until your toenail improves.
Medical treatment options often involve partially removing the affected part of the nail and allowing the area to heal. If there is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Recurrence of ingrown toenails is common and may necessitate permanent removal.
Dr. Molen will advise you on when it is safe to resume activities such as sitting in a hot tub or swimming. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact his office.
To schedule a same-day or next-day appointment with Dr. Molen for an ingrown toenail, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Tues 9am - 5pm
Wed @ Fort Worth Office
Thur 9am - 5pm
Fri Surgery
Mon @ Mansfield Office
Tues @ Mansfield Office
Wed 9am - 5pm
Thur @ Mansfield Office
Fri Surgery
305 Regency Parkway Suite 801
Mansfield, TX 76063
(682) 223-2400 - PHONE
(682) 207-6612 - FAX
6620 Bryant Irvin, Suite 100
Fort Worth, TX 76132
(682) 337-9009 - PHONE
(682) 207-6612 -FAX