When the edges or corners of the nails grow into the surrounding skin causing pain, swelling and discomfort, the condition is referred to as onychocryptosis or ingrown toenails. Generally, ingrown toenails heal on their own within a few days. However, if left untreated, the site might get infected.

Therefore, it is important to get rid of the pain or discomfort causing symptoms as soon as you notice the problem. While home remedies are beneficial in mild to moderate conditions, it is crucial to understand the causes and symptoms of ingrown toenails for effective pain management. Let’s discuss how to treat ingrown toenails at home and when is the right time to opt for ingrown toenail surgery.

Causes and symptoms of ingrown toenails

It is important to learn the appropriate way of nail trimming. If toenails are trimmed too short the chances to get ingrown toenails are higher. Further, tight shoes, hereditary factors, trauma to the toe, or naturally curved nails are the underlying reasons for ingrown toenails. 

Proper nail care is essential and to avoid the pain and discomfort caused by ingrown toenails, seek immediate medical attention when you observe any of the below listed symptoms

• Early signs: Redness, tenderness, swelling, and pain around the affected nail A
• Severe symptoms: Infected toenails leading to pus, increased pain, and even difficulty walking.

Home remedies for ingrown toenail pain relief

A study conducted on patients at podiatry clinics revealed that every 2 out of 10 patients seek medical treatment for ingrown toenails. The foot condition is very common and most individuals try to get rid of the pain at home. Self-care remedies are indeed beneficial in mild cases. Following are some useful pain-relieving home remedies that you can try for ingrown toenails.

1. Warm water soak: Soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes, two to three times a day. This helps reduce swelling and pain. 
2. Epsom salt soak: Add Epsom salt to warm water and soak your feet to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
3. Antibiotic ointments: Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointments to prevent infection and promote healing.
4. Wear comfortable footwear: Select footwear style with adequate toe room. This will avoid putting pressure on the toe and help prevent the risk of severity.
5. Apply a sterile bandage: Cover the toe with a sterile bandage to protect it from further irritation.

The above listed remedies can help in relieving pain caused by mild cases of ingrown toenails. Although, it is important to seek medical treatment when home remedies become ineffective and the symptoms get worse. 

When to Seek Professional Help for Ingrown Toenails

Delaying the treatment can make the condition worse and you may end up requiring ingrown toenail surgery. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the symptoms and the severity of the condition and seek medical attention when required. It is best to consult a podiatrist, when:

• The pain is severe or worsening
• Redness and swelling are increasing
• Signs of infection like pus or discharge are visible
• Your attempts at home treatment have been unsuccessful
•  You have diabetes or a compromised immune system

Wounds take more time to heal for diabetics. Therefore, it is important to understand the severity of the condition and get immediate treatment from a qualified podiatrist.

What happens during an Ingrown Toenails Surgery?

Surgical interventions are not recommended for everyone. A general prescription for antibiotics and sterile dressing can help a majority of patients dealing with pain and discomfort caused by ingrown toenails. However, surgery might be recommended for severe and recurrent ingrown toenails.

Following are the surgical options available for ingrown toenails:

1. Partial nail plate avulsion
2. Total nail plate avulsion
3. Matrixectomy

These procedures involve the partial or complete removal of the affected nail or the destruction of the nail matrix to prevent regrowth. Based on the severity of the condition, your podiatrist will determine the most suitable surgical procedure. 

The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. A qualified and experienced podiatrist might need around an hour or less to perform the surgery. It is absolutely painless surgery because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Once the surgery is completed, the patient can resume their day to day activities. However, follow-up appointments for the dressing of the wound are required.

Partially removed toenails regrow within a few weeks, whereas regrowth takes around a year after total nail avulsion. 

What to do when you have recurring ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails might occur twice a year or even more frequently depending on the contributing factors. Therefore, it is crucial to address the underlying causes to prevent recurrence. Long-term solutions may include:

• Avoid trying home remedies and receive appropriate treatment from a podiatrist.
• Nail bracing techniques are beneficial in correcting the nail's growth pattern.
• Partial or total nail removal is considered beneficial to prevent future occurrences.
• Custom orthotic devices redistribute pressure on the foot and toes and reduce the risk of ingrown nails.

How to prevent ingrown toenails?

When it comes to ingrown toenails, it can be said that prevention is key. If you are suffering from recurring episodes of ingrown toenails, here are some helpful tips to keep your toenails healthy and reduce the risk of future recurrence. 

1. Opt for shoes that provide enough space for your toes without causing pressure.
2. Avoiding rounding the corners of your toenails. Don't cut them too short.
3. Avoid wearing tight socks or hosiery. It can compress the toes which might cause ingrown toenails.
4. Keep your feet clean and dry and prevent moisture from getting stuck especially between the toes.
5. Wear protective footwear during sports activities to prevent trauma to your toes.

Conclusion

When it comes to the treatment of ingrown toenails, timely consultation with a qualified podiatrist is invaluable in providing comprehensive care and long-term relief. Podiatrists are equipped with the expertise to accurately diagnose the condition and offer tailored treatment options. 

By seeking professional podiatric care, individuals get the assurance that their foot and ankle pain will be addressed effectively. Consult the board-certified podiatrists at Orange County Foot and Ankle Group for expert treatment of ingrown toenails. They are recognized as the best foot doctors in Orange County for laser toenail fungus removal, diabetic foot care, sports injuries treatment and ingrown toenail surgery.