Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Our Calgary Clinic
We at North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic understand how bothersome an ingrown toenail can be. It can interrupt your daily routine and force you to sit out activities. For this reason, our foot clinic offers reliable ingrown toenail removal in Calgary. When you come to us, we carefully assess your toenail and determine its cause. Our team then provides a customized treatment plan to avoid complications such as infections. You can rely on us to meet your needs quickly and efficiently.
If you require ingrown toenail treatment in Calgary or any other foot care solution, please get in touch with us.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
When a toenail is ingrown, the nail is curved downward and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odour. However, even if your toe isn’t painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can become an infection.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails can develop for various reasons. In many people, the tendency to have this common disorder is inherited. In other cases, an ingrown toenail results from trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper trimming. Cutting your nails too short encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail. Another cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that are tight or short. Certain nail conditions are often associated with ingrown toenails. For example, if you have had a toenail fungal infection or lost a nail through trauma, you are at greater risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
How Is Ingrown Toenail Diagnosed?
An ingrown toenail is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. The diagnosis involves assessing the affected toe for signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail, including redness, swelling, tenderness, and potential infection. The healthcare professional may ask about the individual's symptoms and medical history, and they may also examine the toenail closely to determine the extent of the ingrown nail and any associated complications. In some cases, imaging tests or laboratory tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions or infections. North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic can help discover your problem and recommend possible treatment for ingrown toenails. Connect with us to discover more!
Why Is It Important To Treat an Ingrown Toenail?
We often ignore the symptoms of ingrown toenails and wait for them to disappear. This can not only worsen the problem, but it can lead to several severe issues. It is crucial to get the right treatment for your ingrown toenail because:
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It can lead to an infection in your bone and toe.
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It can lead to the appearance of foot ulcers and sores.
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It can lead to tissue decay.
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It can lead to severe issues in those with diabetes.
Treating an ingrown toenail is crucial for pain relief, preventing infection, and avoiding complications. Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to significant discomfort, potential infection, and even more serious complications such as cellulitis or bone infections. By promptly addressing and treating the ingrown toenail, individuals can experience relief, promote healing, and improve their overall quality of life by regaining comfort and mobility.
How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
In some people, ingrown toenails are a result of genetic predisposition. However, others can avoid them by:
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Not cutting toenails too short
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Cutting your toenails straight with no curving in at the edges
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Ensuring the right shoe size
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Wearing the right footwear for different work conditions
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Keeping feet clean and dry
Please speak to us if you have any questions about ingrown toenails and how to prevent their formation.
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Don't live with ingrown toenail pain! Call North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic in Calgary today!