The MLB’s Avisail Garcia underwent a procedure to have an ingrown toenail removed. However, Garcia showed up the next day, ready to play. White Sox Manager Robin Ventura assumed that the right fielder would need at least a day to recover, but Garcia proved able to play without trouble. Last year Garcia had a .304 batting average and 21 RBIs, and is described by his teammates as a “monster.” “I want to be consistent and get better,’’ Garcia said. “Put up better numbers and help my teammates.”

Ingrown toenails can hurt a lot. If you have an ingrown toenail, come see podiatrist Dr. Stephen Eichelsdorfer of Town Center Foot & Ankle. Dr. Eichelsdorfer can treat your ingrown toenails with the professionalism and care it needs.

Ingrown Toenails Causes

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

There are a number of risk factors for ingrown toenails. Some include cutting your nails too short, participating in strenuous sports, diabetes, obesity, and fungal infection. Some are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, although wearing ill-fitting or damp shoes can exacerbate the problem.

Treatment

There are a number of steps you can take to treat ingrown nails:

-Let your toenails grow out
-Soak the toes in hot water with antibiotic soap or Epsom salts
-Placing a piece of cotton under the affected nail may allow the toe to grow up instead of into the nail bed
-Rest with your feet up

If however, your pain is severe, or you see red streaks running up your leg, you should see a podiatrist. Your podiatrist may make a small incision and remove part of the toe nail to relieve the pressure. A local anesthetic may be used to lessen the discomfort of the operation.  Topical medication may also be prescribed to prevent the regrowth of the problem nail. You will probably have to stay off your feet for a day or so, but should be able to carry on normal activities quickly.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Kingwood, Livingston, and Humble, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails.