Living with an ingrown toenail? Dr. Brandi Johnson and Dr. Mark Leitner at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Brandon, FL provide the care you need to heal and get back to life without the pain.
When Should I See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail?
Most people have experienced an ingrown toenail at some point and know how uncomfortable such an issue can be. While they can be addressed at home, ingrown toenails often require the help of a podiatrist. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Leitner at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Brandon, FL share five signs it’s time to seek help.
You Notice Signs of Infection
If your ingrown toenail has become infected, seeking treatment as soon as possible is key. Infections can worsen and lead to more severe issues if not addressed. Some signs to look out for include swollen or tender skin, redness, pus drainage, and bleeding. If you notice these or anything else that seems concerning, visit your podiatrist as soon as possible.
Your Pain Is Intense
There is usually some discomfort that comes with an ingrown toenail, but it’s bearable. Sometimes, though, ingrown toenails can make it painful to walk or put any pressure on your foot. In such cases, a visit to our foot and ankle specialist is in order.
You Can’t Reach Your Toes On Your Own
Due to a variety of reasons, some people simply can’t get to their feet, which can prevent them from taking care of their toes. If this is the case with you, have no fear. Our podiatrist can take care of them for you.
You Have a Condition That Affects Nerves or Circulation
Conditions like diabetes impact the blood flow and nerve function in the feet. This can cause issues with ingrown toenails for a couple of reasons. The first is that the issue might be worse than you realize, as you can’t really feel what’s going on. The second is that trying to treat your toenail could end in you cutting or damaging your toes. It’s better to be safe than sorry in such cases and schedule an appointment.
At-Home Care Isn’t Working
Often, ingrown toenails can be addressed at home by soaking your feet in Epsom salt and using cotton or something similar beneath the nail to encourage it to grow properly. If these steps do not provide relief after a few days, seeking professional care is important.
Leave your ingrown toenails in the past with the help of Dr. Johnson and Dr. Leitner. You can schedule an appointment at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Brandon, FL by calling (813) 571-2977.