Ingrown toenails are painful and uncomfortable, and can often feel like a huge burden on your life. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, or have had one for a while that has gotten worse, you will likely be concerned about getting it treated. Since these conditions are often very painful, many ingrown toenail patients will feel the need to get it treated as soon as possible. However, there is an important distinction between this and the point when an ingrown toenail classifies as a medical emergency.
Ingrown toenails can progress fast and become very painful very quickly. Because the ingrown toenail is caused by pressure on the toe from walking, running, and footwear, it is very easy for an ingrown toenail to get worse once it starts. Once the nail has started growing into the skin, it won’t likely stop by itself. Therefore, as the nail continues to grow, it will keep growing into the toe. Ingrown toenails can also eventually become infected, which is a bigger concern.
Ingrown toenails are a medical emergency when you feel like you can’t put any weight on your toe or stand on your feet without serious pain. In this case, you should be seen by a podiatrist immediately so that you can move towards resuming your normal life. Additionally, if your nail is extremely red, swollen, or hot to the touch, you should be seen by a podiatrist as soon as possible. Lastly, infected ingrown toenails are another medical emergency as infected wounds can develop into more severe conditions.
Whether your ingrown toenail is a medical emergency or not, you should seek treatment with a licensed podiatrist to get it taken care of. They will be able to provide you with an effective, safe treatment plan to rid you of the discomfort and pain that your ingrown causes. To schedule your consultation with a podiatrist, give us a call at (424)-299-4627 or visit our website for more information.