Ingrown Toenail Specialist

What is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails are a common condition where the nail grows past the borders of the nail bed. The ingrown nail digs into the soft skin and tissue along the edge of the nail bed, causing inflammation and pain.

Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe and occur because the nail grows at an angle, rather than straight and within its natural borders.

An untreated ingrown toenail eventually becomes embedded in the tissue surrounding the toenail and could cause a significant infection. An untreated infection could spread, involving the tissues and bones of the foot and leg and eventually reach your bloodstream.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails happen when the growth of the nail is affected in some way. One of the most common causes is improper toenail trimming when you cut the nail too short or round the corners of the nail.

Other causes include:

• Heredity
• Improperly fitting shoes
• Nail trauma
• Toe trauma
• Toenail fungus

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you are at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails. This is one reason why diabetic foot care is important.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail can cause symptoms, such as:

• Redness, heat, and swelling
• Tenderness or throbbing pain
• Drainage from the nail border
• Discoloration of the nail
• Pain when wearing shoes
• Pain with bearing weight on the toe

The severity of an ingrown toenail can progress quickly, so it is important that you seek treatment from Premier Foot & Ankle, especially if you have diabetes or other circulation problems. Children can also get ingrown toenails, so regular foot checks are important.

What are the treatments for ingrown toenails?

A common home remedy for ingrown toenails is soaking your foot in Epsom salt. While this can help the spread of infection and may initially relieve some of your discomfort, this remedy doesn’t fix the underlying problem causing the pain or infection.

The most effective treatment for an ingrown toenail takes place at Premier Foot & Ankle, and may involve:

• Oral antibiotics
• Topical antibiotics
• Toenail splint
• Partial removal of nail
• Matricectomy, or the complete removal of nail

Surgical removal of the nail is often the best option for an ingrown toenail if it frequently recurs because it can continue to cause problems.

Your podiatrist at Premier Foot & Ankle performs your toenail removal in the office if that is needed. Your toe is numb during the procedure, and recovery usually takes 2-3 days.

For a consultation about your ingrown toenail, call or schedule an appointment online with Premier Foot & Ankle today.