THE STORY ON INGROWN TOENAILS

Ingrown toenails have a long history. During colonial days, British foot soldiers, responsible for their own foot care, were severely punished if they hobbled by a crippling ingrown nail. In the Civil War army manuals, the soldier was instructed to a cut a "V" in the nail hoping it might relieve ingrown nail pain. (THIS DOESN'T WORK!) In more recent times, people have sought relief in hospital emergency rooms, manicure shops, or form the old-fashioned chiropodist.

Fortunately today, relief from painful or infected ingrown toenails is not a difficult process. Office-based correction using a local anesthetic to numb the affected toe can permanently remodel the side of the toenail. The procedures are painless, brief, and very effective. They can be performed on almost everyone: children, adults, and seniors. Of course, people with very poor circulation, uncontrolled diabetes, or other medical problems may not be suitable for any surgery.

Abnormal nail growth resulting in an ingrown toenail can occur for various reasons including: injury, previous infection, toe-bone spurs (benign calcium deposits), hereditary influence, nail fungus, improper nail trimming, deformed toes, flat feet, and even poorly-fitted shoes.

Whatever the cause, if you suffer from ingrown or deformed toenails, ask Dr.Hecht if you are a candidate for correction and look forward to pain-free toes!