An ingrown toenail is extremely painful and can make it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel of Emerald Coast Podiatry offer the best possible treatment options for ingrown toenails and other issues that affect your feet in Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL. At the first sign of pain or discomfort, paying a visit to your podiatrist should be high on your list of priorities.
Signs of an Ingrown Toenail
When an ingrown toenail in Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, begins to develop, it may be sore and red near the edge of the nail. As it worsens, the area may appear to be infected. It will be very tender to the touch. The redness will become more pronounced and it is difficult to put on socks or wear shoes.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it's time to see your podiatrist. Don't wait to make the appointment. Visiting the doctor as soon as the pain starts will prevent infections and get you back on your feet much faster.
Treatment Options
When you are dealing with an ingrown toenail, you want to relieve the pain as well as make sure the nail growth is corrected. Soaking your feet in warm water for 15 minutes several times a day will help relieve some of the pain. Apply antibiotic ointment to your toe and cover it with a gauze bandage.
You may want to take some over-the-counter pain medications to help control the pain. If you visit the podiatrist, they may choose to remove the portion of the nail that has grown into your flesh. They will wrap the area in gauze to make sure it heals properly. Treating an ingrown toenail as soon as it appears will allow the nail to grow the way it should.
If an ingrown toenail starts to cause problems in Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, reach out to Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel today. Call Emerald Coast Podiatry at 850-862-4119 or 850-682-6522 to set up an appointment and get the pain relief you deserve and learn how to prevent ingrown toenails in the future.