Treating Ingrown Toenails

Treating Ingrown Toenails

How your podiatrists in Alexandria, and Sterling, VA, can help if you have an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails can be a pain, literally! The constant swelling and pressure can interfere with your active life. Fortunately, your podiatrist can help you get rid of an ingrown toenail.

Dr. Richard Lee and Dr. Steven Lin at Alexandria Family Podiatry offer a wide range of podiatry services, including treatment for an ingrown toenail. They have two convenient office locations in Alexandria, and Sterling, VA, to help you.

So, how do you know if you have an ingrown toenail? Your toe will:

  • Appear dark, bruised, and swollen
  • Be painful, especially when you put your weight on it

Sometimes, an ingrown toenail will go away on its own, especially if you try a few home therapies like these:

  • Soaking your painful toe in warm water frequently during the day
  • Placing a small piece of dental floss under your toenail to push the toenail upward
  • Applying antibiotic cream around your ingrown toenail
  • Cushioning your toe with gauze or bandages
  • Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Changing to open-toed shoes while your toe heals

If your ingrown toenail doesn’t go away with simple home remedies, you need the help and expertise of your podiatrist. Common professional treatments for an ingrown toenail include:

  • Lifting the toenail upward to separate it from your skin so it can grow freely
  • Cutting off the ingrown part of your toenail so your toenail can grow normally
  • Removing your toenail completely so a healthy toenail can grow in its place

To keep from getting an ingrown toenail, it’s helpful to remember a few simple tips. Remember to:

  • Avoid cutting your toenails too short
  • Always cut your toenails straight across
  • Wear appropriate shoes that protect your feet and toes
  • Buy shoes with plenty of toe room, so your toes aren’t crushed together

To learn more about treatment for an ingrown toenail, talk with the experts. Call Dr. Richard Lee and Dr. Steven Lin at Alexandria Family Podiatry. You can reach them at either the Alexandria, VA, office or the Sterling, VA, location by calling (703) 823-2357, so call now.