Patients with an ingrown toenail will often present with pain, redness and swelling. If the condition is more severe, a health care provider may numb the nail and partially remove the affected portion.
They will then instruct the patient to soak their foot daily and replace the cotton or dental floss that is placed under the nail – this helps to separate the nail from the skin and allow it to grow above the skin edge.
The Best Files for Ingrown Toenails
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can pierce the skin, leading to a painful infection. In addition to causing pain, the infection can also cause redness, swelling, warmth and drainage. Prompt treatment of an ingrown toenail prevents further complications such as abscesses or cellulitis.
A podiatrist can help with the treatment of ingrown toenails using specialized tools. These tools are able to lift the ingrown portion of the nail, relieving the pressure and allowing it to grow naturally. These tools also have a file on them that smoothes the edges of the nail, eliminating the sharp corners that can snag on socks or shoes and cause further pain.
When trimming your nails at home, it is important to use clippers that are designed for toenails. These clippers are larger and have a straight cutting edge, making it easier to cut the nails correctly. It is also important to leave a small amount of white at the end of your nails and not cut the nails too short. When a toenail is cut too short it encourages the nail to grow into the surrounding skin.
A blacks file is a great tool to use to smooth the edges of your nails and eliminate any rough or sharp corners. These files are available in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that is comfortable for you to hold. Some are made of a plastic material that is easy to grip and have ergonomic handles for less stress on the hands. Others are made of stainless steel and are autoclave safe for sterile use.
Reusable Blacks Files
Blacks files are an essential podiatry instrument used in the nail sulcus to clear debris & file along the edge of the nails. We have a great selection of reusable blacks files in multiple shapes & designs. All are made from high quality surgical stainless steel & are autoclavable. Check for a smooth handle with grip as the blacks file is often held by hand & requires dexterity. Some are angled & others straight, double-ended with both serrated head & probe. The angled blacks file can be useful in treating an ingrown toenail as it is much easier to get into the sulcus of the nail.
Pedicare
Using a blacks file and following simple at-home foot care tips can often nip ingrown toenails in the bud. Soaking feet in warm water, applying a thick petrolatum jelly (avoid over-the-counter ointments if possible, as they can cause allergic reactions) and clipping the nail straight across can all help prevent them from getting out of hand. If you do develop one, use an antibiotic ointment to reduce pain and infection.
Crowding your toes into shoes and socks that are too tight or short can also set you up for developing painful ingrown toenails. So wear shoes that fit well and be sure to remove them if your feet start to feel cramped.
Another common cause of ingrown toenails is overzealous nail clipping, which can encourage the sides of a toenail to fold into the skin. Trimming a toenail correctly can help avoid this issue, as can going to a podiatrist for a proper pedicure.
If your ingrown toenails are persistent and not responding to home treatments, it might be time to see a podiatrist for nipping them in the bud at the source. They can perform a simple office procedure, called a matrixectomy, which involves cutting out the problematic nail portion after numbing the area. This can be a permanent solution for recurring ingrown toenails and can save you pain, discomfort and money in the long run.