Ingrown toenails are a relatively common condition, but not all cases are created equal. While causes may range from improper trimming techniques to genetics, it's important to know when it's time to seek medical attention. The podiatrists at Eastern CT Foot Specialists have helped residents in the Norwich and North Windham, CT, areas with ingrown toenails and other foot pain issues for over 25 years. They want you to be informed of situations that call for professional treatment. 

An ingrown toenail is easy to spot, especially since they tend to affect the hallux, or big toe. Pressure from the nail edge's ingrowth ends up pushing it into the toe's skin, leading to inflammation and varying levels of discomfort. This could become a reoccurring problem, however, and cases without proper treatment may advance from general pain to an infection.

Your average ingrown toenail may be treatable with routine home care, but there's a limit to what you can do independently. If there’s no sign of improvement after roughly three days of at-home treatment, it's time to take your case to a podiatrist. This also applies to anyone who hasn't had a tetanus booster shot in over five years, as further complications may arise from the ingrown toenails. 

There are also certain conditions that make this otherwise common occurrence more of an immediate concern. In general, those with a higher risk of infection or a weakened ability to heal wounds—including anyone with poor circulation, diabetes, AIDS, or who are currently undergoing chemotherapy—should have a professional care for even the lightest of inflammation. If any of these apply to you and your regular physician isn't available, or if you have signs of fever or infection, you should head to the emergency department.

Whether you're immunocompromised or not, ingrown toenails should be handled swiftly, and you'll find the relief you need at Eastern CT Foot Specialists. Head to the website for a full list of services, and set up appointments with a call to their Norwich office at (860) 887-3538 or the North Windham office at (860) 456-9593.