Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Guelph & Milton( Full Video)

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Patients who suffer from ingrown toenails often require regular foot care by a Chiropodist or Podiatrist. Chronic curved and ingrown toenails are painful and can greatly affect your quality of life.

There is a wide variance in the severity of ingrown nails, and for this reason, there is a wide range of treatment options. These range from simple warm saltwater soaks, to nail packing, nail removal or a toenail brace. An ingrown toenail brace is applied to the toenail to slightly lift the edge so that the curved edge may grow out straight.

If the ingrown toenail is chronic and unstable, surgical removal may be necessary.

To avoid unpleasant surgical interventions, Chiropodists and Podiatrists try many other options first.

Ingrown Toenail Brace

Corrective nail braces are medical devices, similar to dental braces which use tension to exert a change in tissues. The application of a custom nail brace takes only a few minutes, and can fully fix problems with your toenails. Within a certain time after the application of nail braces, the treated nail is often completely straightened.

The active adhesive brace we use in our clinic is an innovative treatment for ingrown or involuted toenails.

Toenail braces are suitable almost for everybody including kids and diabetics. This is an ideal treatment for patients where surgery is not a good alternative, and simply those that wish to avoid surgery. With this simple method,  you can often avoid surgical interventions. The results are visible in a short time and are generally completely painless.

The nail adhesive brace immediately adjusts to individual shapes of nails and therefore helps to relieve patients´discomfort in a majority of cases. The application only takes about 10 minutes, and most people experience no discomfort. Another advantage, unlike surgery,  is that this treatment does not bring any restrictions on your life. This means no days off work, sports or swimming.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery

If the ingrown is chronic, some patients may require a partial nail avulsion procedure. This procedure removes the curved border of the nail and kills the root in the area.

This procedure is often painless as the toe is put “to sleep” with a local anesthetic agent. There is usually minimal post-operative discomfort. In fact, many patients indicate they immediate feel relief.

The wound heals in about four to six weeks. During this period it is simply dressed with topical antibiotics and gauze dressings. After healing, the nail is normal in appearance, somewhat more narrow than before.

How Do You Prevent Ingrown Toenails?

• Cut toenail straight across, and leave it slightly longer then the end of the toe.
• Avoid tight fitting foot wear.
• If discomfort develops try soaking the foot in a basin of warm water two or three times a day.
• If you have diabetes or poor circulation, water on your feet should never be more than 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

https://youtu.be/qqrw8oos3S0?si=dJegdmnL_lQSfMez

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail (also called onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the skin, often causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. This condition most often affects the big toe. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury to the toe, or genetic predisposition.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

1. Improper Nail Cutting: Cutting the toenails too short or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
2. Tight or Ill-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that put pressure on the toes can cause toenails to grow abnormally.
3. Injury: Trauma or damage to the toenail, such as stubbing the toe, can lead to an ingrown toenail.
4. Genetics: Some people are more predisposed to ingrown toenails due to the shape or structure of their nails.
5. Excessive Sweating: Moist, sweaty feet can soften the skin and cause the nail to grow abnormally.
6. Fungal Infections: Fungal infections can affect the toenails, making them thicker or misshapen, which may lead to ingrown toenails.

Symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness along the edge of the toenail
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Fluid or pus drainage if an infection develops
• Difficulty wearing shoes due to discomfort

Treatment & Management of Ingrown Toenails:

1. Soaking the Foot: Soaking your foot in warm, soapy water can help reduce inflammation and soften the skin, making it easier to lift the nail away from the skin. You can add Epsom salt to the water to help soothe the area.

   • How to Soak: Soak the affected foot for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day. Dry thoroughly afterward and avoid walking around barefoot to prevent infection.

2. Trimming the Nail Properly:

   • Trim the toenails straight across: Avoid cutting the nails too short, as this can worsen the condition. Use proper nail clippers, and don’t round the edges, which can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.

3. Using Cotton or Dental Floss: If the toenail is just starting to grow into the skin, you can gently lift the edge of the nail with a small piece of cotton or dental floss to separate it from the skin. This should be done carefully to avoid injury.

   • How to Do It: After soaking the foot, carefully place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge of the nail and replace it daily.

4. Antibiotics:

   • If there is an infection, you can use an antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin or Bacitracin) to prevent bacteria from spreading. Apply it to the affected area after cleaning and drying the foot.

5. Pain Relief:

   • If you’re experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

6. Footwear:

   • Wear wide-toed shoes or open-toed sandals to avoid additional pressure on the affected toe. Avoid tight or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes.

7. Surgical Treatment (For Severe Cases):

   • If the ingrown toenail is persistent or severe, a doctor may recommend a partial nail removal procedure. This can involve either trimming the ingrown portion of the nail or, in some cases, removing part of the nail and using a chemical to prevent it from growing back.

   • Permanent Nail Removal: For recurring ingrown toenails, a podiatrist may perform a procedure called matrixectomy, which involves removing the nail matrix (the part of the nail that produces new cells), so the toenail will no longer grow.

When to See a Doctor:

• Signs of Infection: If there is pus, increased redness, or warmth around the toe, it could be a sign of an infection. In such cases, antibiotics may be needed.
• Severe Pain: If the pain becomes unbearable or doesn’t improve with at-home treatment.
• Underlying Conditions: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or any other condition that affects your ability to heal, it is important to see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Prevention Tips:

1. Proper Nail Cutting:

   • Always cut your toenails straight across to prevent them from growing into the skin. Avoid cutting the nails too short or rounding the edges.

2. Wear Proper Footwear:

   • Ensure shoes are not too tight, especially around the toe area. Shoes with a wide toe box will help reduce pressure on the nails.

3. Maintain Foot Hygiene:

   • Keep your feet clean and dry. This helps prevent fungal infections, which can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.

4. Avoid Trauma:

   • Be mindful of stubbing your toes or any other activities that might injure the nail.

References:

1. American Academy of Dermatology: Ingrown Toenail (Onychocryptosis) Link
2. Mayo Clinic: Ingrown Toenail Link
3. WebMD: Ingrown Toenails Link
4. National Library of Medicine: A Guide to Ingrown Toenail Treatment Link