Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenails services offered in Sugar Land, TX
If you have poor circulation, ingrown toenails increase the risk of more serious problems like infection and gangrene. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle changes and routine checkups can reduce your risk. At Vargas Foot Specialists, double board-certified podiatrist Marco Vargas, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails. To make an appointment, call our office in Sugar Land, Texas, or book online today.
What is ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail develops when your nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail bed instead of away from your toe. Almost everyone experiences ingrown toenails occasionally, but if you have diabetes or another health problem that affects your circulation, you’re also more likely to experience complications.
Contact Dr. Vargas immediately if you have an ingrown toenail that doesn’t improve with at-home treatment.
Who is at risk of developing ingrown toenails?
Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Wearing tight shoes that crowd your toes
- Cutting your toenails at an angle
- Experiencing trauma, like stubbing your toe
- Having an unusual foot shape
You’re also more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you have a health problem that affects circulation to your feet, like diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Treatment of ingrown toenails depends on various factors, including age, the severity of your symptoms, and whether your nail is infected. Dr. Vargas might recommend:
- Lifting the nail with a piece of cotton so it grows away from your toe
- Taping the nail so it stays away from your skin
- Placing a splint under the nail so it grows away from your toe
- Partially removing the nail
- Removing the entire nail
Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to prevent pain, reduce the risk of infection, and restore your mobility.
How can I reduce my risk of ingrown toenails?
You can do several things to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. Dr. Vargas recommend:
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- Wearing comfortable shoes that have plenty of room for your toes
- Trimming your nails straight across instead of at an angle
- Soaking your nails in warm water before trimming them
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in check. To learn more about the treatment options for ingrown toenails, make an appointment at Vargas Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling the office or booking online today.
