When it comes to treating your Ingrown toenail, Dr. Tony Avakian of Valencia Foot and Ankle Center in Valencia, CA has a full-service podiatric practice offering a complete range of ingrown toenail treatments.
How To Know if You Have an Ingrown Toenail
The first clue that you have an issue with your toenail is usually pain. The toenail on your big toe will be sore where it touches the skin. You may notice that the nail is growing into the skin. In some cases, there isn't any pain but in others, it can get inflamed, and before you know it, the toe is big, red, and throbbing. This usually means that it has become infected. There may be pus under the skin that leaks out if you press it.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails may be hereditary due to the shape of the toe or the shape of the nails. Some nails want to curl into the skin more than others. It also can result from bad-fitting shoes or from incorrect cutting of the toenails.
When To See a Podiatrist
If the toe gets badly infected, or it is a constant reoccurring problem, it is time to visit your podiatrist. You may need to have an antibiotic for the infection and then decide the next step. This usually involves some type of surgery, there are several options available. The doctor may decide to remove some skin and a tiny bit of nail to create more space, this is the most conservative option.
Part of the nail can be removed along with the nail matrix so that the nail will not gown back again. This will usually be used if this is a chronic condition to give permanent relief. The surgery will be done with local anesthetic and it is an outpatient procedure. Recovery is quite quick, and you will be back to your normal activities within a few days.
For ingrown toenail treatment in Valencia, CA you can count on Dr. Avakian at Valencia Foot and Ankle Center for all your needs. To make an appointment, call the office today at (661) 288-2321. You don't need to live with pain.