Having diabetes involves daily monitoring. But while you may know you need to monitor your blood glucose level, did you also know you need to examine your feet every day? Learn why foot care is so important when you have diabetes.
That unrelenting, throbbing pain in your big toe – the one that hurts with every step – is likely caused by an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails afflict about 5% of Americans every year. Sometimes they are remedied with home care. Other times, a podiatrist’s treatment is required. Kerry Berg, DPM of Intermountain Foot & Ankle in Colorado Springs explains how you can determine when that is the case.
If the corner or side of the nail is embedded deeply into the skin next to it, it’s ingrown. Nearly always, ingrown toenails affect the big toe. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or redness on and around the toe. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action. If not treated promptly, this pesky problem can worsen, leading to the need for a surgical procedure in which Dr. Berg needs to remove part of your toenail.
If your symptoms are minor and brand new, you can first try treating it at home. Soak your foot in warm saltwater two or more times a day for about 20 minutes. Dry thoroughly and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream on the affected area. Be sure to keep your feet clean and wear clean socks and properly-fitting shoes. If necessary, take an over-the-counter pain reliever if.
If the symptoms don’t resolve or worsens, visit a podiatrist. Symptoms that indicate your ingrown toenail is getting worse and requires professional care, are any of the following:
Personal habits often are the culprit. Most common among these are:
Don’t trim toenails in a u-shaped curve. Instead, to avoid an ingrown nail, always trim your nail straight across. If you must have a curve, use a toenail clipper and a nail file to make just a slight curve at the very top of the nail.
Pointy shoes may look great, but you will pay for being a slave to fashion. These shoes may force your toes into a cramped, unnatural position, and the pressure and friction can result in an ingrown toenail.
Women’s high heels can also cause ingrown toenails. A heel that’s 2.5 inches increases the pressure on the ball of your foot, including your toes, by 75 percent. This extreme pressure can cause the nail to sink into the flesh beside it.
Change your footwear if you’re starting to get an ingrown toenail that’s not from trimming your toes improperly. Your foot is telling you to relieve the pressure on it. Wearing shoes with a wide enough bed and with low heels can make can prevent future ingrown toenails, as well as other foot problems.
Call or book an appointment online with Dr. Berg at Intermountain Foot & Ankle for expert care that keeps you on your feet.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Having diabetes involves daily monitoring. But while you may know you need to monitor your blood glucose level, did you also know you need to examine your feet every day? Learn why foot care is so important when you have diabetes.
A sprained ankle can be temporarily disabling. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to bear weight on the injured ankle. How severe is the sprain? Learn how a sprained ankle is graded.
If you’re a runner, it’s imperative that you understand the importance of what to wear on your feet. The right running shoes can provide the support you need and protect you from injury. Keep reading to learn more.
Pain in the ball of your foot affects the way your entire foot — and body — moves. If you have pain in the ball of your foot that doesn’t go away, you may have a Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuromas worsen without treatment. Here’s what to do.
Small growths on your heels or pads of your feet are likely plantar warts. They usually go away on their own, but usually not fast enough. Here’s how you can get rid of them quickly and effectively.
Flat feet can be congenital or acquired, and they may cause no symptoms or a great deal of pain and discomfort. Learn what you can do to prevent flat feet from getting worse.