How to Treat Ingrown Toenails Without Surgery Using Proven Methods: Live Without Pain
Ingrown nails, or onychocryptosis, as they are called in podiatry, are a clinical condition characterized by penetration of the nail into the edges of the fingers.
In general, they have inflammatory states where there is presence of pus, pain and increased local temperature. In more severe cases, the ingrown toenail can even change the patient's way of walking.
It is very important to emphasize that ingrown nails should never be treated at home. This problem requires specialized treatment such as a podiatrist.
This professional has the knowledge, experience and adequate equipment to solve the problem, without putting your health at risk. Trying to perform the procedure at home can cause infections or even worsen the condition.
In this article, you will learn more about ingrown toenails, its causes and some treatments performed by podiatrists to solve this problem.
What are the causes of ingrown nails?
Ingrown toenails can arise due to several situations such as:
- Wrong nail cuts, too short or too rounded edges;
- Tight shoes (fine toes): may put excessive pressure on your toes, pushing the nail and pressing on the sides that hurt the skin of your toe;
- Shoes that are too loose: we also have a problem, as the feet slide inside them, causing friction that can change the shape of the nails;
- Postural changes, walking puts pressure on the nails and can get stuck;
- Nails too thick or too thin;
- Diseases that can cause deformities or injuries such as arthrosis;
- Bunions are also common causes of ingrown nails.
Finding the cause of the problem is the first step in properly treating ingrown nails. Thus, it is possible to treat the problem at its root, preventing it from reappearing.
What are the treatments for ingrown toenails?
To treat ingrown nails, it is essential to seek out a podiatrist. In Podiatry, treatments can be performed in different ways, depending on what is recommended for your specific case.
The podiatrist also has all the equipment and knowledge necessary to correct the problem without causing injuries and injuries. And above all, you will be able to identify and treat the cause of the problem, preventing the nail from simply getting stuck again over time.
For example, if the ingrown nail is caused by changes in the curvature of the nails, the podiatrist can use orthotics to make the correction.
Orthotics are an external support device, fixed to the nail by the podiatrist. They work by applying pulling force, like a lever, to gradually change the curvature of the nail. However, in some cases, there is still a need for partial removal.
Overall, you can achieve great results with this method. However, it is only recommended if the cause of the ingrown nails is a change in the curvature of the nails.
There are different types of orthotics aimed at treating ingrown nails. They vary in material and tensile strength to ensure that each case is handled in the right way for its particularities.
Other types of orthotics can be used to correct the posture of the toes, a factor that can also influence the appearance of ingrown toenails and other foot problems.
Orthotics are capable of correcting several situations where it would be necessary to do a partial removal of the nail before.
For this, procedures called spiculectomy are necessary.
The purpose of the procedure is to remove the ingrown part of the nail, to help normalize the finger and eliminate the pain and conditions that characterize the ingrown nail.
Why shouldn't you treat your ingrown nail at home?
Unfortunately, you can find several recommendations on the internet for homemade procedures to treat ingrown nails. However, they are very dangerous and can worsen the condition.
It is not recommended to cut the corners of the nails at home, cut the ingrown part or use gauze and cotton to “lift” the corners of the nails.
That's because these procedures, which seem simple if done incorrectly, can aggravate the problem.
Your feet are always in contact with bacteria, fungi and other external agents. Trying to dig out your nails at home can cause injuries, which are a gateway for these agents into your body.
This is especially dangerous for elderly or diabetic patients.
So don't play with your health! Consult a podiatrist and always follow the following recommendations:
- Do not try to lift the corners of your nails at home. Correction of curvature requires the use of orthoses applied by a professional.
- Do not cut the skin that grows over the ingrown corner of the nail. You can cause serious injury, infection and even cause the ingrown part to become larger.
- Do not use any medication or product on ingrown nails without a doctor's recommendation.
- If your feet are swollen or there is redness or pus in the area of the ingrown toenail, see a doctor right away.
- Do not wear shoes that are too tight and try to alternate the shoes you use on a daily basis, sanitizing them and putting them in the sun when they are not being used.
- At home, just prefer to file your nails with a disposable paper file.
During the treatment of ingrown nails with a podiatrist, it is customary to return to regular appointments so that the chance of recurrence does not exist.
This professional will also treat the problem according to its cause. In other words, you will be able to identify the most suitable treatment method for your specific case.
Your feet are very important, and they deserve great care. You don't have to live with pain, problems and discomfort in them.
Consult a podiatrist: schedule your assessment today.
Checking if the photos are correct and if the podiatrist has their own photos is ideal.
