Ingrown Toenail Specialist
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Scheffel Foot Center
Podiatry located in Worcester, MA & Clinton, MA
For such a seemingly small problem, it’s amazing how debilitating an ingrown toenail can be as the pain hijacks your entire wellbeing. Thankfully, relief is available at Scheffel Foot Center at the hands of Dr. John Scheffel. The podiatrist can quickly and easily treat ingrown toenails, giving patients in Worcester, Massachusetts, a renewed spring in their step. For treatment of your ingrown toenails, call or use the online scheduling tool.
Ingrown Toenail Q & A
What are ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails are aptly named because that’s exactly what happens — your toenail grows into the surrounding flesh of your toe instead of up and over it. The condition usually strikes the inside or outside corners of your big toe and leads to swelling and inflammation that makes even a brush with a bedsheet a painful affair and wearing shoes near impossible.
What causes ingrown toenails?
There are several culprits when it comes to ingrown toenails, chief among them:
Improper Trimming
If you cut your toenails too short or not straight across, the edges of your toenail can grow into the sensitive flesh on the sides of your toe.
Ill-Fitting Shoes
If you spend your days in shoes that crowd your toes, your toenails don’t have the space they need to grow out properly.
Genetics
If you’ve inherited curved toenails, you’re more susceptible to ingrown toenails.
Injury or Disease
If you’ve injured your foot, you may develop ingrown toenails as a result. As well, people with diabetes have poor circulation in their feet, which can lead to, or exacerbate, ingrown toenails.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
The good news when it comes to ingrown toenails is that Dr. Scheffel can easily solve the problem. When you come in, the doctor numbs the area and removes the part of the nail that’s growing into your flesh, which will provide you with immediate relief. Dr. Scheffel may also insert something under your nail to encourage it to grow up and over the flesh.
If you’re prone to ingrown toenails, Dr. Scheffel may try and find a more permanent solution to the problem by removing the part of your nail bed that’s responsible for the irregular growth.
If you’re diabetic, it’s especially important that you seek immediate treatment of your ingrown toenail, as any problem in your feet can quickly escalate into something more serious.
As part of his treatment, Dr. Scheffel also arms you with what you need to know about preventing ingrown toenails in the future, such as:
- Footwear recommendations to protect your feet and give them room
- Proper trimming techniques
- The right length to keep your toenails
If you’re plagued by ingrown toenails, call Scheffel Foot Center for immediate relief. Or you can use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
