While an ingrown toenail doesn’t sound terribly serious, anyone who has had one knows how painful it can be. The good news is that ingrown toenails can be fixed easily, and Dr. Adejoke Babalola, the Podiatrist of Perfect Footcare in New York City can get you back on your feet with just a simple office visit or two.
An ingrown toenail happens when the side of the nail grows into the skin of the toe instead of up and over, which causes pain, redness, and swelling. Ingrown toenails usually occur in the big toe, though the other toes can get them, too, just much less frequently. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can get infected, which can lead to more serious problems, so they should be addressed right away.
There are many reasons why adults get ingrown toenails, chief among them:
Often, ingrown toenails can be treated at home, and the following are the do’s and don’ts:
If the pain and swelling persist, or redness and pus develop, you should see a doctor because these could signal an infection, which, if left untreated, can take hold and spread to the bone.
People who suffer from diabetes or immune-system disorders should always make an appointment with the doctor to make sure an infection doesn’t develop around the ingrown toenail.
If you are having trouble with your ingrown toenail, Dr. Babalola has a few ways to solve the problem quickly and safely:
All of the procedures are minor and will have you moving freely and pain-free in no time at all.
We accept the majority of health insurance plans. Please call our office if you do not see yours listed or have any other questions.