I broke my ankle about three years ago in a car accident. I followed all of the doctor's instructions as my ankle healed, but something didn't heal quite right. Two and a half years later, I was still having severe pain and my doctor couldn't figure out why. He suggested that I see a podiatrist to have it looked at more closely. It turns out that there is a lot more to an ankle injury than I had known. Scroll through my site to find out what can really happen to your ankle when it is broken and what could cause the pain to continue long after the injury is sustained.
Ingrown toenails can cause serious complications, especially if you are a diabetic and prone to infections from minor abrasions. The best way to deal with ingrown toenails is to take steps to prevent them and promptly treat your ingrown toenails if they occur.
Trim Your Nails Correctly
In addition to keeping your toenails trimmed regularly, you want to make sure you pay attention to the corners of your nails. If you like to trim your nails straight across, use a nail file to lightly round the edges. This will make it less likely that the sharp edges will eventually embed in your skin. In general, it is better to trim your toenails straight across than to keep them rounded. When your nails are more round, the sides are usually shorter than the nail bed. This gives your nail ample room to grow into the skin. Try trimming your toenails so they are flush with the edge of your toe, and keep them at that length.
Wear Footwear With Wiggle Room
You should always have adequate room for your toes to wiggle around freely. Some cases of ingrown toenails can be attributed to tight shoes or shoes with a toe box that does not fit the natural contours of the human foot. If you have any toe deformities, such as bunions or claw toes, you should be more meticulous about the shoes you select. Similarly, you should ensure that you are wearing socks with adequate room. Although socks are typically made of soft material, socks that are too small can add unnecessary pressure directly on your toenails, especially if the sock's seam presses against your toenails.
Soften Ingrown Nails
If you notice a toenail is beginning to embed in your skin, start by soaking the nail thoroughly in warm water. Once the nail has softened, try to carefully lift the nail from the surrounding skin. If the nail has not deeply embedded inside your skin, you can probably trim the nail and free it from your skin. Dry off your foot and apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as swelling, redness or drainage. If you are not able to safely lift the toenail from the skin, it is best to consult your podiatrist for assistance.
As a diabetic, you should stay vigilant to avoid any instances of ingrown toenails, which can lead to serious infections. Wearing the right footwear and trimming your nails properly can often keep problems at bay. For more information, contact Michael Scanlon DPM or a similar medical professional.
Share26 October 2015
