Dr. Joel Foster Discusses How Kansas City Metro Patients Can Put a Stop to Painful Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common problem, but they can cause significant pain that interferes with daily activities. With an office in Lee’s Summit, podiatrist Dr. Joel Foster provides effective ingrown toenail treatments to patients throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe, but they can happen in any spot.
Possible causes of ingrown toenails include:
- You’re not trimming your nails correctly. Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Your shoes are too tight. Shoes or socks that squeeze your toes can pressure the nail to grow abnormally. For example, many women find that they are more prone to developing ingrown toenails when they choose their shoes for fashion instead of comfort.
- You’ve recently injured your toe. Stubbing your toe or accidentally dropping something on it can damage the nail and cause it to grow inward.
- Your nails want to curve as they grow. Some people have naturally curved nails that increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
When It’s Time to See a Podiatrist
While it might be tempting to try home remedies or wait for the problem to resolve itself, seeing a podiatrist for ingrown toenails is crucial, especially in certain situations:
- You have signs of infection. If your toe is painful, red, swollen, or oozing pus, it has most likely become infected and needs professional attention.
- You keep getting ingrown toenails. If you frequently get ingrown toenails, a podiatrist can provide long-term solutions and preventive measures.
- You have diabetes. Having diabetes places you at a higher risk of developing dangerous foot complications. Even a small injury can lead to serious infection due to the reduced blood flow and nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar levels.
- You have other health conditions that put you at risk. Peripheral artery disease, circulatory problems, or a compromised immune system can increase the risk of complications from an ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenails are common in children, but young kids can’t always clearly communicate their discomfort. If your child is complaining of toe pain, walking differently, or reluctant to participate in activities they normally enjoy, we encourage you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
It’s understandable if you’re worried about the cost of seeking care, but our office welcomes patients with no insurance or a high-deductible plan. As a direct-pay practice, we provide affordable care by eliminating the unnecessary red tape associated with insurance claims. The prices for our products and services are also posted online, so you won’t be faced with unpleasant surprise bills. Our goal is to provide the transparency you need to make informed decisions about your foot and ankle health.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails
Dr. Foster will first examine your toe, assess the severity of the ingrown nail, and check for any signs of infection. Then, the affected area will be cleaned and disinfected to prevent further infection.
The recommended course of treatment will depend on the severity of the problem, but could include:
- Lifting the nail. For mild ingrown toenails, Dr. Foster may carefully lift the ingrown edge of the nail and trim out the painful corner.
- Partial nail removal. In more severe cases, Dr. Foster may perform a partial nail avulsion. This involves numbing the toe with a local anesthetic and then removing the ingrown portion of the nail. This procedure provides immediate relief and allows for removal of the underlying infected tissue.
- Matricectomy. For recurring ingrown toenails, Dr. Foster offers a permanent solution called a matricectomy. After removing the ingrown portion, he’ll apply a chemical to destroy the nail matrix. This will keep that part of the nail from ever growing back so you will never have to deal with this ingrown nail border again.
- Total nail removal. In extreme cases, your entire nail may need to be removed. This is called a complete nail plate avulsion and is considered a last resort, however.
If you’re showing signs of infection, Dr. Foster may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. Dr. Foster will also provide detailed instructions on how to care for your toe post-treatment and what steps you can take to prevent future ingrown toenails.
Would you like to learn more about the high level of care you can expect when you visit our office? Check out our testimonials and patient reviews to learn how we’ve helped patients throughout the Kansas City metro area deal with ingrown toenails and other common causes of foot pain.