An ingrown toenail can be painful, irritating and uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes or walking. While some mild cases may settle with simple foot care, there are times when professional treatment from a Widnes chiropodist is the best option.
Here are 6 signs your ingrown toenail may need professional treatment.
1. Your Toe Is Becoming Increasingly Painful
If the pain is getting worse rather than better, it could be a sign that the ingrown toenail is becoming more severe. Pain can make everyday activities such as walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable.
A Widnes chiropody appointment can help identify the cause of the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment.
2. There Is Redness and Swelling
Red, swollen skin around the edge of the toenail is a common sign of irritation. If the swelling continues or becomes increasingly uncomfortable, professional assessment may be advisable.
3. You Notice Discharge or Pus
Fluid or pus around an ingrown toenail can indicate infection. This shouldn’t be ignored, particularly if the area is becoming more painful, hot or swollen.
A Widnes podiatry professional can assess the toe and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
4. The Skin Is Growing Over the Nail
Sometimes the skin alongside an ingrown toenail can become raised or grow over part of the nail. This can make the area increasingly difficult to manage yourself and may require professional treatment.
Trying to cut deeply into the side of the nail can cause further damage, so it’s better to seek professional Widnes foot care.
5. Your Ingrown Toenail Keeps Coming Back
If you regularly experience ingrown toenails, there may be an underlying reason why the problem keeps returning, such as the natural shape of your nail, footwear or the way your toenails are being cut.
A chiropodist can assess the nail and provide advice to help reduce recurring problems.
6. It Is Affecting Walking or Wearing Shoes
If your toenail is making it difficult to walk normally, exercise or wear your usual footwear, it’s a good indication that it’s time to seek professional advice.
You shouldn’t have to put up with ongoing foot pain when appropriate Widnes chiropody treatment may be able to help.
Don’t Ignore a Painful Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail may seem like a minor problem, but leaving it untreated can allow symptoms to become more uncomfortable.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, we provide professional Widnes chiropody, Widnes podiatry and Widnes foot care for a range of common foot and toenail problems.
If your ingrown toenail is painful, swollen, repeatedly returning or showing signs of infection, book an appointment with Arco Healthcare Clinic in Widnes for professional advice and treatment.
For further information contact our experienced reception team or alternatively click here to book your appointment. To use your healthcare policy and claim back treatment cost check the podiatrist register with the following link.