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Podiatrist in Alexandria and Sterling

Richard G. Lee, DPM
Steven H. Lin, DPM 

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Alexandria, VA Podiatrist
Alexandria Family Podiatry
2843 Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 823-2357


Sterling, VA Podiatrist
Alexandria Family Podiatry
21495 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 106
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 823-2357

 

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Ingrown Toenail

Home › Our Services › Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails in Alexandria and Sterling, VA

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and ingrown toenailsinfected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:

  • Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
  • Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
  • Keeping feet clean at all times.

For more information on ingrown toenails in the Alexandria and Sterling, VA area call Alexandria Family Podiatry at 703-823-2357 today!

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Ask Dr. Lee!Dr. Lee - Podiatrist

Question:  I think I have toenail fungus, but it's only on my big toe and little toe.  Why is this?    

Answer:  Great question! It has to do with tight-fitting shoes and repeated "mini-traumas" to your nail plate.  As you step, your toes repetitively hit the end of your shoes gradually separating the nail plate from the nail bed.  This allows fungus to creep into the nail bed and start growing.  We see fungal nail growth more frequently in a patient's big and little toes because these toes get the most pressure from the sides of tight-fitting shoes and thus they experience mini-traumas more often than the other toes.

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Our Location

Alexandria, VA Podiatrist
Alexandria Family Podiatry
2843 Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 823-2357

 

Sterling, VA Podiatrist
Alexandria Family Podiatry
21495 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 106
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 823-2357

 

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Office Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
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