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Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah: Daniel R. Patty, DPM

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Ingrown Toenails

3/26/2018

9 Comments

 
What Are Ingrown Toenails? Ingrown nails, the most common nail impairment, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also become affected.
Causes:
Ingrown toenails may be caused by the following:
  • Improperly trimmed nails
  • Heredity
  • Shoe pressure; crowding of toes
  • Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities

Symptoms:
The following symptoms may be present with ingrown toenails:
  • Pain
  • Redness and swelling
  • Drainage
  • Odor
  • Prominent skin tissue (proud flesh)

Home Treatment:
If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm salt water soak, or a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self-treatment and seek podiatric medical care as soon as possible.
Other “do-it-yourself” treatments, including any attempt to remove any part of an infected nail or the use of over-the-counter medications, should be avoided. Nail problems should be evaluated and treated by your podiatrist, who can diagnose the ailment, and then prescribe medication or another appropriate treatment.

When to Visit a Podiatrist:
​You should see a podiatrist immediately if any drainage or excessive redness is present around the toenail. Also, if a short trial of home treatment has not resulted in improvement of the condition, see your podiatrist. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you should seek immediate treatment at the first signs of an ingrown toenail, as it can lead to more severe complications.

Diagnosis and Treatment:
A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails. The corner of the nail that ingrows, along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail, are removed by use of a chemical, a laser, or other methods.

Prevention:
  • Trim toenails properly: cut them straight across, not longer than the tip of the toes. Do not dig into corners and only gently round off corners with a nail file. Use toenail clippers.
  • Avoid shoes with pointy or narrow toe boxes.
  • Never rip or tear edges of nails.
​
​*Article used, by permission, from APMA.
9 Comments
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    Dr. Daniel R. Patty

    Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon at Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah: Orem.

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What Our Patients Are Saying!

"Love Dr. Patty and his staff! I had two screws put in my foot and just went back today and had to have an ingrown toenail procedure. Every visit they get you back so quickly and even when you’re in the room there’s hardly any wait time. Dr patty is very knowledgeable and explains everything to you (he’s even got a good sense of humor) his staff is the sweetest and even let me squeeze her arm while getting injections in my toe! I would recommend him to any of my friends and family and will keep going back to his office for anything my family or I need. Thank you for being genuine and making my experiences the best they can be!" -Amber T.

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"I was having problems with my Achilles and Dr. Patty was recommended to me by my primary care provider. Dr. Patty found the cause within the first few minutes of the visit. When it became apparent that surgery was needed, the procedure was explained clearly and concisely. I was given Dr. Patty's cell phone number so that I could reach him after hours if needed. How many doctors would do that?! I was highly impressed by Dr. Patty's insight and knowledge. Highly recommend!" -Chris T.

"Dr. Patty is so helpful and knowledgeable. It is clear he enjoys his work and his staff is excellent as well. He has given me options, explained pros and cons and allowed me to make the choices. I cannot not recommend highly enough; I am grateful to him for his help."  -Pat K.

"Astounding work. Thrilled with Doctor Patty's masterful repair of my ruptured Tibral Anterior tendon. Comparable to any of the renowned surgeons who cared for me at the 5th Avenue Surgical Center 86th and 5th, Manhattan."  -Robert H.

"
Dr. Patty is a phenomenal doctor. I had an ingrown toenail, and Jill and he got me in the next day. His prices are very reasonable, his service is impeccable, and the experience in his office was better than anywhere else. Even though other podiatrists will accept my insurance, I still go to Dr. Patty; I'd rather pay him than them." -Nate E.

"I was having issues with a swollen ankle and it wasn't healing. Dr Patty was able to find a hairline fracture and get me fitted with a boot in time before the fracture became a break. It was literally on the verge which would have meant surgery given the location of the fracture. Very attentive and professional. He sat down and I felt like he took the time and didn't try and rush me through." - Chelsea R.

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157 N 400 W #B7
Orem, UT 84057
801.226.2421

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