We don’t notice much of what is happening to our feet until a sudden jolt of pain sweeps across the ankle or a slow-paced pain that gradually increases, like an ingrown toenail. While there can be several issues related to foot bones and joints, the in-growing of toenails is the worst nightmare for athletes. You will find many people in Houston suffering from it, especially the morning joggers. 

Ingrown toenail or onychocryptosis is a condition where the nail starts growing from the sides instead of front and away from the nails. The surrounding skin becomes red and swollen. Usually, the big toenail suffers the most. The skin beneath our nails is softer than the rest of the body and more sensitive due to nerve endings of fingers. So when a hard nail digs into that skin, it causes excruciating pain. You can also visit for ingrown toe nail treatment.

What are the First symptoms?

When you see the skin slowly plumping up on one or both sides of a nail, it might be due to the nail that is growing beneath that skin. Initially, there’s only discomfort and tenderness in the area. The pain gradually increases over a week or two. But the pain may also have other reasons. Ingrown toenail relief Houston services will appropriately diagnose your problem and find effective treatments.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

• Wearing uncomfortable shoes or poorly fitting shoes causes ingrown nail on the big toe or the smallest toe. Office shoes or fully covered shoes put pressure on both sides of the foot while walking. Thus, pushing the nail inwards.
• Pedicure at the salon is the number one reason why women often suffer from in growth of the toenail. The salon lady maybe is over cutting your nails or aggressively cleaning the cuticles with her tool increasing the space on the side. So the nail starts growing there.
• Food habits can also indirectly affect the health of your toenails and fingernails. Have a balanced diet to attain all the nutrients in the right amount.
• Some chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, thyroid, and heart problems can cause in-growth.
• Excessively sweaty feet are prone to nail in growth.
• Soft tissue tumors on toes at a lower levels.
• Any prior injury on the toe such as sports injuries, dance injuries, or if someone accidentally stamps on your feet, it may make way for an ingrowing nail.

What can you do?

Agree or not, our feet are the breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Ingrown toenails are prone to infections if not treated for a long time. Puss may form with the foul smell coming out of it. It happens in severe cases. Find a Podiatrist ingrown toenail Houston to have a proper treatment as it may require surgery depending on severity. But, if you have noticed it in the initial stage, it is still mild. Some simple home remedies may help relieve the pain.

1. Soak your feet in warm water at intervals for at least 15mins. Add some salt or soap.
2. As an alternative, you can also soak your feet in apple cider vinegar mixed water. Pat dry your feet after washing in both cases.
3. Apply antibiotic cream on red swollen areas to prevent any microbial attack
4. Wear open and comfortable footwear as long as the growth doesn’t stop.
5. Use a single toe protector, preferably the medicated ones or a toe brace. It is like a full coverage bandage. You will find it in a medical shop.

Ingrown toenails are not measure cause of concern. However, one does need to maintain their feet hygiene to avoid any long term damage. Pamper them ones in a while and make them your best friend again.