First off, it’s really great that you’re reaching out about this! Dealing with an ingrown toenail on your own can be tough. Podiatrists use a variety of professional tools to help manage and treat ingrown toenails, like nail nippers and lifters. But, don’t be discouraged if you’re not familiar with them. Many of us aren't either!

One tool you might come across is a tool for ingrown toenail which podiatrists often use to gently lift the nail from the skin. This helps relieve pressure and prevent the nail from digging in further, especially if it’s causing pain. In fact, they also use nail splitters when the toenail is severely curved to split the nail and guide it back to a healthier growth direction.

If you’re feeling hesitant about seeing a podiatrist right away, there’s a blog article I read recently that outlines how to carefully use the right tools to treat the nail at home. It provides step-by-step instructions, and I think it’ll help you understand how professionals approach this issue with precision. It might also help you see why doing it yourself could make things worse.

Remember, taking care of ingrown toenails early is key to preventing infections and long-term problems. You might want to check out that article for more detailed advice on managing the discomfort while keeping your feet in top shape!