Why A Primary Care Physician Sends You to a Podiatrist For Ingrown Toenails
That throbbing pain around your toenail, the redness, the swelling – seems like you’ve got all the telltale signs of an ingrown toenail. But before you head straight to your primary care physician, consider saving yourself a trip: These days, you’ll probably be referred to a podiatrist anyway.
Why do you need a specialist visit for something that seems simple? For this blog, the team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists is going to answer that question. Keep reading to find out why a DPM is your best option for resolving this nasty nail complication.
More Than Just a Trim
Ingrown toenails can be more complex than they seem, and while a primary care physician can handle basic cases, there’s more to it than just clipping the offending corner. Podiatrists, as foot and ankle specialists, have in-depth knowledge of nail anatomy, biomechanics, and potential complications that could arise. They can:
- Diagnose the root cause: Improper trimming, tight shoes, and even underlying conditions like diabetes can contribute to an ingrown nail. A podiatrist can identify the true culprit and address it.
- Perform advanced procedures: Beyond simple clipping, a podiatrist can utilize techniques like partial nail removal or matrixectomy (preventing regrowth of the ingrown edge). These interventions can feature possible complications that result in more liability and risk for non-specialists.
- Manage infections: Neglected ingrown toenails can lead to nasty infections, especially for diabetics with compromised circulation. Podiatrists have the expertise to diagnose, treat, and prevent those infections.
- Prevent future troubles: A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, biomechanics, and nail care habits to recommend preventive measures and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Primary care physicians are increasingly referring patients to podiatrists for ingrown toenails, so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for a referral!
Wondering if you might have an ingrown toenail problem? Call us at 520-575-0800 or contact us through our website to schedule an appointment. We have three offices for your convenience located in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley. Bradley A. Whitaker, DPM, Peter C. Merrill, DPM, and Dr. Zeno Pfau, DPM, all look forward to serving your foot care needs.
