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Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Ingrown Toenails: Summer Sport Risk

Did you know that some of your favorite summer sports may increase your chances of developing an ingrown toenail? Baseball, running, tennis and other fitness activities that have sudden stops and starts or repetitive pushing of the toes into the front of the shoe may force a nail to grow down into the skin. Other causes of ingrown nails, also known as onychocryptosis, that we see at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankleinclude:

  • Injury

  • Flawed foot structure

  • Heredity

  • Fungal infection

Treatment

Once a nail grows into the skin around the nail, it will get swollen, red, inflamed and painful. The toe may feel warm to the touch. When the skin is punctured, bacteria have an entry point and an infection may develop.

The simplest way to treat an ingrown toenail is to soak in warm, soapy water several times a day and then massage the affected area to try to work the toenail out. If this does not work, make an appointment to see our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss. If you have an infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed to clear it up. In severe cases, the podiatrist may surgically remove part of the nail. This procedure is called a partial nail plate avulsion and is done after the toe is injected with a local anesthetic.

Prevention

The best way to prevent ingrown nails is to keep toenails trimmed by cutting them straight across with no rounded corners or jagged edges. Make sure that your socks and shoes are not too tight and constricting your toes. Also, wash feet daily and inspect them for any signs of nail problems.

If you are diabetic or have other immune system or circulatory problems, an ingrown nail can become a serious medical threat and should be reported to the foot doctor immediately. If you have additional questions about ingrown nails or other nail or toe conditions, contact our Clinton or Waldorf office by calling: (301) 868-3899 or (301) 843-9581.

Our Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed