Ingrown toenails can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. They’re usually caused by cutting your nails too short, rounding the edges, or by wearing tight shoes. You may also experience one after stubbing or jamming your toe. Here are several ways you can ease the pain and discomfort. 

5 Ways to Relieve Toenail Pain

1. Soak Your Feet

If you’re experiencing moderate discomfort with an ingrown toenail, try soaking your feet at home in warm water. Doing this for 15 to 20 minutes a day can help alleviate some of the discomfort and reduce swelling around the area. It can also flush out any dirt or bacteria that may build up in the affected area. 

2. Lift the Nail

Lifting the toenail can either be done at home or by your podiatrist. In this case, cotton or dental floss is placed under the edge of the nail that is ingrown. It’s best to do this after you’ve soaked your foot, so the tissue is soft and easily moveable. This separates the nail from the tissue and helps the nail grow above the skin. 

3. Remove the Nail or Tissue

A reoccurring or prolonged ingrown toenail may require additional treatment than what you can do at home. Your podiatrist may recommend removal if you’re in severe discomfort. This will include removing a part of the nail that is affecting the underlying skin tissue of the nail bed. 

4. Wear Proper Footwear

Wearing proper-fitting shoes can also help prevent or alleviate an ingrown nail. If you’re treating one, wear open-toed shoes or sandals while the area heals. Close-toed shoes could cause more pain and damage if they’re too tight or worn for too long. 

5. Apply Ointments

Antibiotic creams and ointments are effective ways to relieve some of the redness and discomfort you can experience with an ingrown toenail. Applying these to the area can also prevent infection and bacteria from growing under the tissue. It’s always best to apply these treatments after a foot soak and after you’ve lifted the toenail with dental floss or cotton. 

You don’t have to live with the discomfort and pain of an ingrown toenail. The expert podiatrists at Eastern CT Foot Specialists in Norwich, CT, will help eliminate your foot pain. They also specialize in treating bunions and relieving heel and ankle pain. To schedule an appointment in their Norwich office, call (860) 887-3538. For a consultation in their North Windham office, call (860) 456-9593. Visit them online to browse their treatment options.