Ingrown toenails can be an incredibly painful and bothersome foot condition. They occur when a toenail grows sideways into the nail bed, leading to pain, swelling, and potential infection. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen, causing even more discomfort.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails. These include cutting your nails too short, engaging in sports activities that put pressure on the toes, having diabetes, being overweight, or suffering from a fungal infection in the toenail. Genetics can also play a role, as some individuals are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails. In many cases, ill-fitting shoes or those that keep the feet consistently damp contribute to the problem.

Preventing ingrown toenails starts with allowing your toenails to grow a bit longer and avoiding overly short cuts. If you do find yourself with an ingrown toenail, soaking the affected toe in warm water can help prevent infection and alleviate pain. Adding antibiotic soap or Epsom salts to the water can offer additional protection against infection.

While there are various home remedies and quick treatments available for ingrown toenails to reduce pain and discomfort temporarily, severe or persistent pain should prompt a visit to your trusted podiatrist, Dr. Mazur. As a podiatrist, Dr. Mazur can provide you with effective, personalized treatments to address your ingrown toenail and help you regain your comfort and mobility.

Don’t let ingrown toenails disrupt your daily activities. Seek professional care with Dr. Mazur, DPM, to find the relief and solutions you need for your ingrown toenail concerns.