Are you dealing with foot pain due to an ingrown toenail? Your Alexandria, VA, podiatrist, Dr. Gregory Cardinal of Podiatrist in Motion, offers in-home visits to treat ingrown toenails.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Many factors can cause your toenail to grow into the skin at the side of the toe, including:

• Your Nail Cutting Technique: Do you prefer to round the edges of your toenails? While rounding prevents nails from snagging on socks and sheets, it increases your risk of ingrown nails. Fortunately, preventing ingrown toenails can be as simple as cutting your nails straight across. If the nail gets caught on your sock, file it lightly.
• The Socks and Shoes You Wear: Pressure from tight shoes and socks can drive nails into the skin. Make sure you choose shoes and socks that offer ample wiggle room.
• Minor Toe Injuries: Did you first notice your ingrown toenail after a can fell on it or you stubbed your toe. Toe injuries may also drive the nail into the skin.
• Your Family: Do downward curving nails run in your family? Nails that curve downward grow into the skin easily, even if you trim them straight across.

How to treat ingrown toenails at home

If the nail hasn't become firmly embedded in your skin yet, you may be able to loosen it at home. Soak your toe in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to soften the skin. After you dry your toe, lift the trapped edge out of the skin with a small piece of cotton or dental floss.

Do you have diabetes? Don't try removing the trapped part of the nail yourself, as you could increase your risk of infection.

If you can't move the nail easily, don't force it. You could tear your skin or even develop an infection.

When you should call the podiatrist

Schedule a house call with your podiatrist if:

• Home treatment doesn't free your nail
• Your toe hurts
• You have diabetes
• You have signs of infection, which can include red streaks, pus, warmth, pain, and fever
• You frequently get ingrown toenails

Your foot doctor can numb your foot and free the trapped part of your nail. Antibiotics may be needed if you have an infection. If a nail often becomes ingrown, your podiatrist may recommend removing it.

Do you need treatment for ingrown toenails? Call (703) 879-5155 to schedule an appointment or house call with Dr. Cardinal, your Alexandria, VA foot doctor at Podiatrist in Motion.