A common issue that you might want to see a foot doctor about is an ingrown toenail. You could experience pain and difficulty walking until it’s fixed. Here are a few things to keep in mind so that you know when to seek medical treatment.
Causes
There are several causes that could lead to seeing a doctor about an ingrown toenail in Joliet. One is cutting your nails too short or in a rounded shape instead of cutting them straight across, as you could cause the nail to begin growing into the skin. Shoes that don’t fit correctly, trauma to a toe, and the shape of your foot can all lead to an ingrown nail.
Signs
You might not visit a doctor about an ingrown toenail in Joliet until you begin experiencing severe pain. However, one of the first signs that you’ll usually notice is swelling that makes the area of the toe feel hard. You might notice redness and warmth as well, especially if it’s infected. Liquid can also begin seeping from around the nail if there’s an infection.
Treatment
Most of the time, you can treat an ingrown toenail yourself without going to a doctor as long as it’s done so before it becomes infected. The first thing that you should do is fill a small container with warm water and Epsom salts so that you can soak your feet at least twice a day. You can place a small piece of gauze underneath the nail to keep it from growing into the skin. A surgical procedure can be performed if there’s excessive discomfort. Contact Business Name for more information about ingrown toenails.
