Ingrowing toenails can be extremely painful, and will usually need treatment to correct them.
The main causes are cutting nails too short, and ill fitting footwear. The way we cut our nails is very important, as any sharp edges can grow inwards, causing discomfort at best, and serious pain and infection at worst. If infection develops you may need see your GP for a course of antibiotics. Fakenham Foot Care can advise you when this is necessary at your assessment.
Involuting Nail
Ideally, you should visit your foot care practitioner before infection sets in, for preventative treatment. Soaking feet, using softening agents such as Epsom salts, and gently running a cotton bud around and underneath the nail can help to prevent the inward growth. Treatment in the early stages can be pain free, and involves cutting and shaping the nails in a way that allows them to grow naturally.
In severe cases, the edge of the nail, or the complete nail, may need to be
removed. This would be done by a podiatrist using a local anasthetic. We can advise, and refer on where necessary. N.H.S treatment is not so widely available nowadays, it may be worth seeking help from a private podiatrist for prompt treatment.
Seeking help early is the best solution, removal of the ingrowing part of nail, by an practitioner can often prevent the need for antibiotics.