Well you’re in luck, here is a simple guide on how to manage it. Lets assume the toenail is sore and inflamed along one or multiple sides. Here are a couple of simple questions to help you manage this crisis.
Question #1
Can you reach your own feet to care for them?
If YES then on to the next question
NO! then it’s simple, you need a helping hand. Call your local podiatry/chiropody office and explain your concern. Don’t go to the ER it’s not what they deal with unless you are obviously dealing with an advanced infection. In general, most family physicians are not equipped to treat this adequately and will recommend a visit to a podiatry/chiropody office.
Question #2
Is your systemic health fairly good, or do you suffer from diabetes, circulatory problems or other systemic issues which may compromise healing?
If NO is your answer then on to the next question.
YES then once again make that call.
Question #3
Are there signs of a spreading infection, pus, redness extending beyond the toe, swelling or abnormal heat of the foot, fever?
If NOT then we can begin to talk about treatment and the next question.
YES! once again this a good indicator that professional help from your podiatrist/chiropodist or if not available urgent care is required.
Question #4
Is this the first time this has happened, and the nails are normally easy to trim and care for?
YES then carry on to the next question.
NO! if there is a repetitive pattern to this then the underlying cause is not something that will go away or you’ll grow out of. Get a proper diagnosis and options to permanently fix the problem. Make that call!
Question #5
So now we get down to the self-help section and here you’ll need to do a little self-diagnosis of the root cause.
If you probe the corner of the nail does it come to a 90 degree end or even a sharp spike. If so then take a nail file and round off the corner. Cutting the nails perfectly straight across will often give rise to this situation. For further info on nail cutting check out this article HERE
(There are no straight lines in the human body)
Have you just purchased new footwear, increased the level of activity, or been forced to wear very tight or very loose shoes for an extended period of time. All of the above are aimed at identifying a one-off mechanical cause arising from activity, footwear, or environmental sources. In most cases having identified and removed the source of the pressure, the condition will resolve quickly and be sure to avoid it in future.
If you want more detailed information about the formation of ingrown toenails click HERE.
An online search will reveal an amazing selection of weird and wonder treatments and cures for ingrown nails.
Some look darn right medieval and torturous others are just at best may give short-term relief and a few are plain nonsense. This a condition that can be cured simply, painlessly and permanently, don’t let this limit the quality of your life
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