Around 5% of the Canadian population deals with ingrown toenails every year. It may not sound like a lot, but that's nearly 2 million people dealing with pain and potential infection. An ingrown toenail may be something you think you can deal with, but it's important to know that there are clinical solutions that can get you back on your feet sooner rather than later.
Today, we'll explain some of the ingrown toenail treatments in Calgary, as well as the causes and symptoms of ingrown toenails. There's no sense in letting your predicament get worse and worse. Read on to understand when you need treatment and what to expect from the treatments.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options
Common causes of ingrown toenails include stubbing your toe or wearing shoes that are too small. The main symptoms of ingrown toenails are tenderness and swelling, but if it becomes infected, it could get very red and painful.
Some ingrown toenails can be dealt with at home. If you suspect you have a more serious ingrown toenail, you need to see a medical professional to get a proper ingrown toenail diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you'll go over treatment options.
Serious Ingrown Toenails
More difficult ingrown toenails may require them to remove the nail partially. This only happens when you're dealing with an infection or bad inflammation with lots of pain and pus. They'll numb the area and remove the infected part of the nail, which will take a few months to grow back.
When you keep having the same issue in the same area, your doctor may also decide to remove both the nail and the tissue. Ultimately, this prevents your nail from growing back, which prevents any further ingrown toenails from occurring.
Removing the nail can be painful, so taking an OTC pain reliever is advised. You'll need to rest the toe and elevate it for 24 hours after the procedure, during which it can be helpful to apply a wet compress for a few minutes at a time. Once you're able to move around, you'll need to avoid doing things that could hurt the toe so it can fully heal.
Get Your Ingrown Toenail Treatments in Calgary
Now that you understand a bit more about ingrown toenails, it's time to book your ingrown toenail treatments in Calgary. The North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic has been helping Calgarians with their ingrown toenails for over two decades now.
If you're experiencing pain due to your ingrown toenail, don't hesitate to contact us today to book your treatment or discuss ingrown toenail prevention.