Ingrown Toenails in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA
Ingrown toenails are a painful, yet common foot and ankle problem. Ingrown toenails can be caused by multiple things including toenail fungus, hereditary shape of the nail, foot deformities, trauma, etc. When an ingrown toenail occurs, the nail grows downward into the skin, usually along the entire edge of the nail. This can occur and be painful, even without signs of infection
This can cause the toenail to cut into the skin, which allows easier access for bacteria to enter the area and cause infection as well as pain. Symptoms can include pain, redness, drainage, and swelling of the toe. The most common spot for ingrown toenails to occur is on both sides of the big toe.
When you visit one of the doctors at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, they will initially perform a consultation. At this consultation, they will examine your foot and the ingrown nail. X-rays may be required by the doctor depending on the level of infection. Following examination, one of our doctors will discuss different treatment options with you which may include antibiotic usage or a procedure to remove the ingrown nail. If a procedure is required the type of procedure and the recovery will be reviewed with you at your consultation. The great news is that after ingrown toenail procedures there is very little down town and you can be back to your activity without restrictions the day after the procedure!
Contact Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa for an appointment to discuss your foot and ankle concerns.
Toenail Fungus in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects toenails. The fungus causes your nails to turn yellow or white in discoloration, thickened, fall off, and noted debris under the nail (subungual debris). This can cause pain to the nails as well as be aesthetically unpleasant. While toenail fungus can be difficult to treat, our doctors have multiple successful treatment options. When you see one of our physicians, they will examine your nails and provide options for treatment. Treatment options may include debridement if certain qualifications are met for insurance purposes, topical antifungal treatment and soaks, oral antifungal treatment, laser nail therapy or possible temporary or permanent removal of the nail. We have worked hard to find a good combination of prescription grade topicals and foot soaks, along with other adjunctive products that work well in combination to help get your nails as healthy as possible.
Learn more about toenail fungus and treatment options here: https://footanklecenteriowa.com/onychomycosis-what-is-toenail-fungus/
Sometimes there are other reasons that the nails change and appear fungal, but they are not, so it is important to confirm the diagnosis to give you the best chance of success in getting your nails healthy. We may take a clipping of your nail to send to the pathology specialists we partner with to confirm the diagnosis. If it is determined that the nails are not fungal, then additional treatment options to try to improve the health of the nails will be reviewed.
Contact Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa to have your feet and toenails examined and discuss treatment options with your foot doctor.
Dr. Tina Starkweather of Laser Nail Center of Iowa now provides services out of our clinic location also. Learn more here.