Ingrown toenails are subtle yet strong. You may notice a bit of pressure on the side of your toe while you are putting on your favorite walking shoes, or there may be a slight sting when your sheets brush against your foot at night. It is tempting to hope that if you give it a few days, the ingrown toenail will simply sort itself out. However, we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists know that it’s better safe than sorry for the following reasons.
Do Ingrown Toenails Go Away on Their Own?
This is the question everyone wants to hear a yes to, but the honest answer is usually no (even if you cut a V in your toenail).
Once the corner or side of your toenail has pierced the skin and started growing into the soft tissue, it is essentially acting like a tiny, organic splinter. While very mild irritation from a nail that is just pressing against the skin might improve with better shoes, a true ingrown nail is physically stuck in the wrong place.
For most of you, the nail will continue to grow forward and deeper into the skin unless it is professionally guided out or trimmed back. Waiting for it to resolve on its own often just gives an infection more time to move in.
Identifying Signs of Infection
When does a little bit of soreness turn into a situation that requires a call to the podiatrist? You should keep a close eye on the color and temperature of your toe. If the skin along the side of the nail turns a deep red and feels warm to the touch, your body is likely fighting an inflammatory response.
Also look out for:
- Swelling
- Drainage or pus
- Yellow or white fluid
- A persistent dampness on your socks
Why Professional Care Matters for Your Foot Health
Please, for the sake of your feet, do not try digging an ingrown toenail out yourself. Trying to fix an ingrown nail at home often leads to deeper cuts and more serious infections, especially those prone to them, like diabetics.
We podiatrists can numb the area and remove the offending piece of nail in a sterile environment, which often gives our patients instant relief that lasts.
The Risks of Ignoring Ingrown Toenail Pain
If you’re a young person, you might feel daring enough to continue living life without addressing your ingrown toenail, even if you feel it.
Many seniors, however, deal with reduced circulation or conditions like diabetes, which can make it harder for the body to heal small wounds on the feet.
In either case, doing everything you can to seek ingrown toenail treatment early is best!
For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.