A Few Ways Podiatrists Can Help With Bunions & Ingrown Toenails

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Do You Get Ingrown Toenails?

Hi. My name’s Gregory Grossman. I’m 52 years old and have suffered from ingrown toenails for as long as I can remember. They are torturous! Most of mine would get infected and take weeks to heal. I went to my family doctor numerous times. He would do the best he could to help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process. However, they always came back. Two years ago I sought out a podiatrist. He gave me information about my options. He also told me that my nails were too wide, and there was nothing I could do to avoid this ailment. I opted for the procedure that would permanently remove the excess nail and deaden the area so the nail wouldn't grow back. I had my other foot done just last week. I’m going to share all I have learned and hope it helps you!

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A Few Ways Podiatrists Can Help With Bunions & Ingrown Toenails

10 April 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot disorders and maladies, but some of the common foot problems they help with are bunions and ingrown toe nails. These are some of the most painful ailments that can plague one's feet, and podiatrists understand the urgency with which such problems need to be addressed. This article outlines some of the treatment options available to those suffering from bunions or ingrown toe nails.

For Bunions

The severity of the bunion dictates the most appropriate course of treatment. If you are suffering from a bunion that is little more than a lump or a slight protrusion from the side of the foot, your podiatrist may recommend external remedies like ensuring that your shoes are roomy enough and don't constrict your feet. Additionally, your doctor might suggest utilizing bunion pads, arch supports, or other implements that redistribute your body weight to other portions of your feet, away from your big toe.

For more severe cases, you may need some form of surgical treatment. You might undergo what is known as a bunionectomy, where a portion of the protruding formation is removed, or your doctor may be able to remedy your condition by manually realigning the soft tissues and ligaments surrounding the affected area. Your podiatrist will get a better sense of what is necessary after an examination, but you can rest assured that the treatment of bunions is generally straightforward, with little risk for complication.

For Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are yet another painful and debilitating ailment that plague the feet. Ingrown toenails are often the result of overly constrictive footwear or having improperly trimmed one's nails. In certain instances, treatment for ingrown toenails involves a podiatrist strategically trimming the toenail in certain places to manipulate the direction of growth.

Other times, your doctor may need to remove excess tissue growth around the affected area, not only to shape the direction of growth but also to avoid the risk of infection. Your podiatrist might also outfit the afflicted nail with a type of splint. This is essentially a flat, rigid piece of plastic that is attached to the nail to help it flatten out and self-correct over time. Still, for more severe cases, surgery may be necessary, although invasive procedures are typically reserved for instances of infection or where the nail is deeply embedded in the tissue.

Although your podiatrist can treat any number of foot-related maladies, bunions and ingrown toenails are some the most common restorative services they provide. 

For more information, contact Allied Ankle & Foot Care Centers PC or a similar location.