How to Deal with an Ingrown Toenail – 5 Tips to Help Relieve the Pain

Toenails protect your toes from damage. Created from keratin, they're tough and resilient enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. It's easy to think that it isn't a major issue. After all, they're such a small part of your body. However, ingrown toenail pain can significantly impact your quality of life, impeding your ability to walk comfortably. 

If left untreated, it can worsen over time and lead to other health issues. For these reasons, taking it seriously and seeking proper treatment is important. In this article, we will discuss five tips to help manage painful toenails.

Causes of Toenail Pain

There are several common causes of toenail pain, including:

Ingrown Toenail

It occurs when the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, causing pain, redness, and swelling. It can be caused by wearing tight shoes, improper nail care, or genetics.

Toenail Fungus

It is a common condition that causes thick, yellow, brittle nails. It can be caused by moist, warm environments, such as wearing closed shoes for long periods or swimming in public pools.

Toenail Trauma

It can be caused by stubbing a toe, dropping heavy objects on your foot, or engaging in sports. It can lead to pain, swelling, and discoloration of the nail.

Clubbed Nails

It is a condition where the nails become thick and curved, causing them to press against the surrounding skin and cause pain. It is often seen in people with respiratory or heart disease.

A podiatrist can help determine the cause of the pain and provide proper treatment. It could include antibiotics for an ingrown toenail that's become infected or even removing ingrown nails to fix it permanently. In the meantime, several home remedies for ingrown toenails and other common causes of pain exist.

5 Tips to Help Relieve Toenail Pain

If you're struggling with painful toenails, it can be a frustrating and debilitating experience. Thankfully, we've got several tried-and-tested home remedies to alleviate the pain. 

Here are five tips to help manage it:

1. Lift the Nail

The worst ingrown toenail can cause significant discomfort and can be eased by carefully raising the nail from the skin. To accomplish this, position a strip of cotton or dental floss beneath the nail's edge and softly elevate it. It will help to reduce pressure and allow the skin to heal. 

2. Use an Antifungal Medication

If you have toenail fungus, antifungal medication can be beneficial. This medication can be applied directly to the nail and can help to clear up the infection. Your doctor may recommend a specific medication, such as itraconazole or terbinafine, or you can purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal ointment. 

3. Partially Remove the Nail

If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend undergoing ingrown toenail removal. It is often done to alleviate the discomfort and resolve the issue. Your doctor will use a sterilized tool to remove the portion of the nail. It could take up to 4 months for your nail to regrow.

4. Soaking the Nail

It can help reduce any pain and swelling. You can add Epsom salts or other soothing ingredients to the water to help soothe the area. Soaking the nail for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can be beneficial.

5. Taping the Nail

Taping the nail can also help to relieve pain. Your doctor or podiatrist may advise using an ingrown toenail tool to gently pull the skin away from the ingrown nail, using tape to allow it to grow normally and reduce pressure and inflammation.

Final Thoughts

Toenail pain is a debilitating condition that can severely impact your quality of life. Whether caused by an ingrown nail or trauma, it is important to identify the underlying issue to provide the most effective ingrown toenail medication and treatment.

At Prime Foot and Ankle Centers, our experienced podiatrists can diagnose and treat your nail pain to help restore your comfort and quality of life. If you are suffering from painful toenails, don't wait. 

Remember that caring for your feet is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness. With the right care, you can alleviate the discomfort caused by an ingrown toenail and prevent it from recurring.

So, if you're experiencing discomfort or pain, book a consultation with us today.