The ingrown nail is a very common problem, unfortunately. While many people suffer from it, few know that there are very efficient and less invasive treatments than surgery.
The feet are the basis of our balance. As they are used all the time, taking care of their health is very important. Painless and healthy feet mean a considerable increase in quality of life.
With that in mind, today we will talk a little more about this problem so often: the ingrown nail. You will know a very efficient treatment option: the orthoses. We will also explain better why you should not try to treat the ingrown nail at home.
Shall we?
Why is it dangerous to treat the ingrown nail at home?
It is very common to find home procedure recommendations to treat ingrown nails. However, these methods are not only inefficient: they can also be dangerous.
The ingrown nail punctures the skin of your finger, i.e. it creates an injury and a gateway for bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections.
When you try to cut or lift the ingrown part of the nail at home, it can make this injury even worse.
Another problem with these methods is that they are not effective. This is because they treat the symptom, not the cause of the problem. A podiatrist can help you better understand the cause of the ingrown nail.
This professional is able to identify the problem, mitigate the symptoms and indicate the best treatment to solve the ingrown nail once and for all.
One of the most used methods of treatment today are orthoses. Get to know them better.
Get to know the Ungual Orthoses (Onicoorteses)
Many people suffer with the nail stuck, mainly in the foot, and do not find a definitive solution. What to do when the nail always gets stuck again, or when the problem is the curvature of the nail itself?
Orthoses are a great option in these cases!
It is a treatment done by us, podiatrists, to correct the accentuated curvature of the nail or stuck nail. The best thing is that its application is quick and painless and in most cases the results are visible in the first month of use.
With the use of orthoses, the patient can clearly observe: the blade that was previously in an inadequate format, returns to normal format.
What causes the ingrown nail?
The causes of the ingrown nail changes are very diverse. Among them, we can highlight:
- Incorrect cutting of the nails;
- The use of inappropriate footwear;
- Nail mycosis;
- Heart or renal diseases;
- Use of continuous medication;
- Diabetes;
- Anemias;
- Thyroid disease;
- High impact physical activities, like football;
- Some professions such as dancers and tap dancers, because shoes and positions are inadequate.
These are just some examples. As the causes of this problem are so variable, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to make the diagnosis.
How and when can orthoses help?
There are different types of orthosis. The most commonly used are:
- Metallic;
- Elastic;
- Molecular memory fiber.
The indications are for nails with sharp curves, recurrent ingrown nails and nails with curvatures that are already with a certain degree of deformity and cause pain in the client.
The orthosis acts on the nails causing a traction on their sides, as if it were a lever, which forces the nail to rise. It reverses the sense of their closure, changing the curvature, making the nails more tight and the correct sense for a healthy growth.
Although distinct, all orthoses have the same objective. The difference is how they will act, the force (traction) that each one has and the time of treatment between them.
Remember that the time of treatment also depends on the body and the maintenance done by the client.
How is the treatment done with the orthoses?
In the first weeks of use, the customer needs to return to the podiatrist every 15 days. This is necessary to adjust the traction of the orthotics.
In the following weeks, it is possible to space the consultations for 20 or 25 days, depending on the evolution of the treatment.
After the nail is already in the ideal curvature for the client's foot, we go into maintenance so that the nail does not return.
In the maintenance phase, the customer has their returns spaced for 25 or 30 days and, little by little, we withdraw them until full discharge.
There are some contraindications for the use of orthotics. Know what they are:
Contraindications
- Nails that have some type of pathology, for example, nail mycosis (Onychomycosis). In this case, the mycosis must be treated before starting any treatment;
- Very thin nails, as traction can damage their structure.
Are there chances of a new ingrown toenail recurrence?
Yes, since, in general, the causes are external and of the organism itself. The ideal is to follow up with the podiatrist so that it does not return to the point it was before.
That is, this professional can identify the relapse as soon as it starts to happen, preventing injuries and injuries that cause pain and infections.
Overall, orthotics are one of the most effective treatments for recurrent ingrown nails and much less invasive than surgery.
Consult a podiatrist to find out if this is the best solution for your case! Your feet deserve all the care in the world.
