3 Reasons To Make An Appointment To See A Podiatrist For An Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems that people experience with their feet. An ingrown toenail is a condition where the nail on a toe does not grow straight and instead begins growing into the skin. In most cases, an ingrown toenail affects the nail on the big toe. If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know that it is not comfortable and can be quite painful. In some situations, you may need to see a podiatrist, who is a physician with advanced training in treating conditions of the foot and ankle. Some common reasons you may need to make an appointment to see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail include:

Several Days of Home Treatment Doesn't Help

Minor cases of an ingrown toenail typically resolve after a few days of treatment at home. Home treatment includes soaking the affected foot in warm water, gently pushing the skin aside, and using antibacterial ointment. If these things do not help, you may need more advanced treatment that a podiatrist can provide. It's not a good idea to ignore an ingrown toenail that is not responding to at-home treatment — the longer you wait to see a podiatrist, the more likely it is that complications will arise.

Experiencing Acute Pain

There is no doubt that an ingrown toenail can cause discomfort and some pain. However, if you're treating your ingrown toenail at home and the pain continues to increase, it is important to seek medical attention. In a lot of cases, the reason that an ingrown toenail becomes really painful is due to the fact that it is infected. If this is the case, a podiatrist will take measures to treat your ingrown toenail and then prescribe antibiotics to help resolve the infection.

Recurring Ingrown Toenails

While ingrown toenails are not uncommon, they should not be a chronic condition. If you experience an ingrown toenail on a regular basis, there is most likely an issue that needs to be treated to stop it from happening. A podiatrist will be able to examine your affected toe and determine why you are having an issue with the nail growing into the skin. There are several different treatment options for people who get ingrown toenails often. Seeing a podiatrist for more advanced treatment can eliminate your issue with ingrown toenails and help ensure that you don't have to deal with the pain and discomfort again in the future. 

For additional information, reach out to a local podiatrist.