Whether you accidentally cut your toenails too short or you bumped your toe, ingrown toenails can sometimes happen. They can be painful and can even cause infections to occur. It’s important that you’re able to spot the signs of an ingrown toenail early so that you can get the treatment you need to avoid an infection. Dr. Peter Moyer, Dr. Jennifer Purvis, and Dr. Scott Martin at Purvis-Moyer Foot & Ankle Center in Rocky Mount, NC, can explain ingrown toenails and what signs you should be looking out for.
How to Spot an Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails happen when the toenail begins to grow into the skin at the side of the nail. This can be painful and can cause constant irritation and inflammation. It could even develop into an infection if it isn’t properly cared for. You should be able to spot signs of an ingrown toenail so that you can get help from your podiatrist in Rocky Mount, NC, as soon as possible.
Common symptoms can include:
- Pus around the nail
- Pain and tenderness around the nail
- Redness
- Swelling
- Infected tissue around the toenail
You might find that there’s pain when your shoes start to press against the affected toenail and that it’s difficult to walk without pain. You may also notice that the skin is raw and sensitive. It’s important that if you can see that the toenail is ingrown and growing into your skin, you talk to your podiatrist as soon as possible. They can recommend conservative treatments to relieve your pain. If you still have pain, you may need part of your toenail removed.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Make sure you can spot signs of an ingrown toenail. Contact Dr. Purvis, Dr. Martin, or Dr. Moyer at Purvis-Moyer Foot & Ankle Center in Rocky Mount, NC, to learn more about ingrown toenails and their symptoms. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment today at (252) 443-7114.