If you have ever cut your toenails a little shorter than they should be, you’re not alone. Most people make this mistake while grooming their feet at home, causing them to suffer from ingrown toenails. You can also get an ingrown toenail if you wear the wrong shoes that narrow your toes and fit poorly.
Ingrown toenails are extremely painful. When you have one, your feet will give you a not-so-friendly reminder every time you take a step that something isn’t quite right.
Although an ingrown toenail may seem harmless enough, it is actually a dangerous foot condition that should be treated right away. Here are a two important ways you risk serious infection with an ingrown toenail:
- Clippers used at home are unsanitary, increasing the risk of infection.
- Wearing poorly fitting shoes that pinch your nails into your skin also increases the risk of an ingrown toenail infection.
As soon as you feel this pain, it is important that you book an appointment with a podiatrist at Podiatry Associates, P.C.. Putting off ingrown toenail treatment may seem like a viable option, but delaying a trip to the podiatrist can be costly. Delaying ingrown toenail treatment for long enough may mean:
- You must go on antibiotics
- You must have ingrown toenail surgery to correct
- In serious cases, you may need to be hospitalized
Although it may be rare that you are hospitalized for an infected ingrown toenail, you don’t want to take the risk of infection. This can take you off your feet for days and may disrupt your regular activities such as work, exercise, or playtime with your kids.
At the first sign of an ingrown toenail, it is crucial that you reach out to a podiatrist. At Podiatry Associates, P.C. we understand how important the health of your feet is, and can help you get the ingrown toenail treatment you need so that you minimize risk of infection or further injury. Call us today at 303-805-5156 to schedule your appointment at our Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, or Parker locations.
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