Mark Wahlberg was seen on the set of his new film The Gambler recently with a vintage 70’s haircut and without the boot he’d been wearing around the past week after an operation on an ingrown toenail. Wahlberg showed no signs of injury, indicating that he’s recovering well from the surgery. He was even at the Critics’ Choice Awards without the boot the same day he’d been seen walking around town with it on.
Wahlberg’s last movie, Lone Survivor, was the most popular film of last weekend and has earned over $74 million.
Ingrown toenails are very painful, but not usually serious. If you suspect you may have an ingrown toenail, speak to a podiatrist like Dr. Jeff Wachtel of Wachtel Family Foot Care. Dr. Wachtel will examine the afflicted area and determine your condition.
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, feel free to contact our office in Lansdale, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to give you the best care options available.
Read more about Ingrown Toenails.
