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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on July 31, 2012 at 9:18pm

I've tx'ed them by packing cotton under the toenail so it sort of outgrows itself? I would not assume diabetes doesn't play a role with things like that. I generally keep my BG on a pretty short leash too but when I bark my shins on a coffee table or various other mishaps, it can take a ***really*** long time for them to get better. If any infection takes root in a lower extremity for someone w/ diabetes, to the point that antibiotics don't work, the next phase of treatment is to cut it off.

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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on August 1, 2012 at 5:55am

I have struggled with my toenails all my life. I've come very close to having the nails on my big toes just removed. That is pretty radical.

I've had and treated infected ingrown toenails before without trouble. And I will tell you an infected ingrown toenail is different than in ingrown toenail. And as a diabetic, you need to get this fixed. Not later, as soon as possible. While you may have good blood sugar now, that doesn't mean you will heal as a non-diabetic. And an infection on the foot can spread and bad things can happen. There are those here who can give you the details.

See your doctor ahead of schedule. In the meantime, you can soak your feet to soften the nail, then trim the nail straight across, only removing enough of the nail to make it straight. If you cut the sides of the nail or cut it too short, you will make it worse. Then take a piece of medical cotton (from like a cotton ball) and roll it into a little piece about the shape of a grain of rice. Bend out the nail and slip it at an angle to just lift the edge of the nail on either side. Should you wish, you can apply an antibiotic cream.

And then get your tests and see the doctor. You cannot tell the difference between inflammation and an actual infection until it is really bad and that really bad. Your doctor can, see your doctor.

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Permalink Reply by Super_sally on August 1, 2012 at 6:32pm

Thanks. I've actually cut it wrong - probably exacerbated it.
Tests tomorrow and dr after that - latest by monday. It doesn't seem to be getting any worse.

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Permalink Reply by sine on August 1, 2012 at 11:15am

This is amateur stuff that you probably know already, but just in case... When I was a kid I started having a serious problem with ingrown toenails. I was just cutting my toenails too short. When I let them grow a little longer, it completely took care of the problem, never had it again.

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Permalink Reply by Kathy on August 1, 2012 at 4:57pm

Don't mess with your feet. See the doc as soon as possible. An ounce of prevention goes a long way.
Back when I was a "working girl" I wore pointy toes high heels and was always getting ingrown nails. They hurt like heck.
Then, after having a life-threatening health crisis two years ago, I went to a podiatrist who removed the side parts of both big toenails. It made all the difference in the world. Ask your primary if he knows of any podiatrists.

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Permalink Reply by Colleen in NH on August 1, 2012 at 6:50pm

I had both big toe ingrowns removed. It's wonderful. They just take part. It didn't hurt. And boy, did my toes feel better!
OK - it hurt a little when they numbed it...

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Permalink Reply by veggie_gal on August 2, 2012 at 8:25am

Super_sally: There is a possible alternative to having a podiatrist dig out part of your toenail that I haven't seen posted yet. My mother went the removal route many years ago, and when mine got to the point I couldn't stand shoes pressing on it any more, I found a fix on some alternative medicine website. It involves partially filing away a strip of toenail in the middle of the nail BEING CAREFUL not to file too far through the nail!! I did about 1/4" or less wide. The theory is that the weakened part of the nail will allow the ingrown edge to slightly lift as it grows out, "undoing" the ingrown part. It definitely worked for me - I did this probably 10 years ago and it hasn't bothered me since. Admittedly, I thought it didn't work, because the toenail grew so slowly, but eventually could see the improvement. The drawback with this method is that it is slow! I wanted to try to do without the loose toenail edge, though. Good luck with whatever way you choose.

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Permalink Reply by Ruth on August 4, 2012 at 3:53pm

Have you thought of going to a podiatrist? They're pretty expert at ingrown toenails; after all, they only treat feet. And most insurances will pay for a podiatrist if you've got an ingrown toenail, especially if you're diabetic. Insurance just does not usually pay for routine podiatry (nail trimming), even if you're diabetic, although some companies do.

Ruth

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Permalink Reply by Betty J on August 4, 2012 at 4:37pm

I would suggest that you try to find some medical person that knows about Diabetes and feet. Keeping your bg at 140 works but lower if possible would be beneficial.

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Permalink Reply by Super_sally on August 5, 2012 at 5:03pm

Thanks Everyone. Update.

I haven't seen my Dr yet. Hopefully this afternoon.

As far as I know there are no podiatrists here. Maybe dermatologists would handle this sort of thing? Will keep that in mind for next time.

My blood sugar control is pretty good and mostly less than 120!

However I did see a very experienced pedicurist recommended by my close friend yesterday. She was wonderful! With very little pain for me (quite miraculous considering how sore it has been) she was able to tease out a several strips of toenail that she said were growing into the skin instead of straight out. The relief was immediate and today is even better - no more pain (unless pressed). I will see her about every 2 weeks and she will keep it in check as it grows out until it can be cut straight accross.

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