An ingrown toenail might sound like a small problem, but it can have a major impact on your life. The nagging pain of your nail structure digging into soft tissue can make it hard to focus on anything else. You might have trouble moving around or carrying out your daily activities. It’s well worth your time to seek treatment. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we can help you banish your ingrown toenail pain for good.
To fully understand your treatment options, being informed is important.. In this article, you’ll find answers to common ingrown toenail questions that patients often ask their podiatrists.
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
Simply put, an ingrown toenail happens when the corner of your toenail begins cutting into the soft tissue around it. When patients notice a nail that appears a little misshapen, they often wonder: “How do I know if I have an ingrown toenail?” Discomfort is a significant warning sign. You’ll likely experience pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area.
Is Toenail Fungus Related To Ingrown Toenails?
There’s a relationship between ingrown toenails and toenail fungus. Ingrown toenails can damage the skin surrounding your nails, which can make fungus grow more easily. Likewise, fungus can change how your nail grows, leading to an ingrown toenail.
If you’ve noticed any toenail fungus on your feet, it’s important to address the problem right away. Your podiatrist can offer you individualized advice on how to get rid of toenail fungus. Home remedies are often unreliable – the best treatment for toenail fungus is typically a visit to the foot doctor.
How Can I Remove An Ingrown Toenail?
This problem often seems deceptively easy to fix. It’s tempting to grab the nail clippers and start cutting. However, trimming your toenails the wrong way can make the problem worse. Better home remedies for ingrown nails include frequent soaking in warm water and placing bits of cotton or other soft substances between the nail and your skin.
However, home treatments don’t always work. If the toenail problem isn’t going away, or it’s becoming worse over time, it’s wise to set up a visit with your podiatrist to discuss your options. Our doctors at Best Foot Doctor NY know how to fix ingrown toenails permanently while keeping you as comfortable as possible.
What Treatment Options Will My Podiatrist Offer Me?
Your podiatrist will know how to relieve ingrown toenail pain in the most effective way possible. They’ll examine your feet and assess your unique situation, then recommend the best treatment options for you. Treatment may include laser surgery, chemical cauterization, or toenail surgery.
Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt?
The answer to this question depends on many different factors. Laser surgery often involves minimal pain. The sensation might remind you of a prick with a pin, or you might feel some temporary warmth in the affected area.
Regular toenail surgery is often done with local anesthesia in your doctor’s office. You shouldn’t experience pain during the toenail removal procedure, although you may experience some short-term discomfort while receiving anesthesia injections.
Ingrown toenail removal recovery can be somewhat uncomfortable, but you can likely resume normal activities following surgery. Once your anesthetic wears off, you might notice some pain. This is typically short-lived. It’s often treatable with over-the-counter pain relief medications.
How Long Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Take?
Your ingrown toenail removal surgery should be fairly straightforward. From start to finish, your appointment should only last a few hours. Your doctor may perform additional steps during your procedure to keep the problem from returning, which can slightly impact your procedure time. One of these steps is chemical or electrical cauterization, which can prevent your nail from growing back in the problematic area. This step is often recommended if you’ve experienced repeated toenail issues.
How Much Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Cost?
While the cost of treatment can depend on many factors, ingrown toenail surgery is pretty affordable compared to most other surgical procedures. Ensuring that your provider accepts your insurance plan is one of the best moves you can make to avoid any surprises. Best Foot Doctor NY in Brooklyn, NY, is committed to affordable treatment for our patients, and we accept a wide variety of insurance plans.
Get Treatment For Your Ingrown Toenail Today In Brooklyn, NY
Best Foot Doctor NY can help you end your ingrown toenail pain. Call Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov today at (718) 291 9020 to schedule your appointment!