Ingrown or Thickened Nails
What are Ingrown Nails and Thickened nails?
An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender. This can make it painful to touch and walk due to the inflammation and often the build-up of fluid or pus, as the broken skin becomes infected.
Thickened toenails are when nails become so overgrown and thickened that they are almost impossible to cut with conventional nail clippers. They’re often seen in older people or as a response to long-term pressure on the nails. A thickened toenail may also be a sign of a <fungal nail infection>
Do I need to see a Foot Health Practitioner?
It is important to seek professional advice as soon as possible (or even if you think you’ve left it too long – we won’t judge). These conditions will not improve on their own and are near impossible to manage at home.
Your foot practitioner at Sandford Foot Clinic will treat your ingrown nails and thickened nails in a comfortable manner with specialist equipment to make it as pain free as possible.
Is there anything I can do at home to treat them?
Once these conditions have occurred it is very difficult to try and file the nails back with standard home tools. However, once they have been treated there are a number of things you can do to prevent ingrowing or thickened nails from occurring again.
Cut your toenails regularly, not too short and they must be cut straight across to prevent the skin folding over the edges.
As with most foot conditions, wear shoes that fit properly and that don’t pinch your feet unnecessarily. Try to ensure your feet are cool and ‘aired’ regularly as sweat can make your skin soft and easier for your nails to pierce your skin.
What treatment do you recommend?
Our chiropractic pedicure treatment will address any problems you have with your feet. Having a pedicure regularly will keep your feet healthy and pain free. Contact us or call 01242 582877 to book an appointment.