Ingrown Toenail Specialist

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a common, and often painful, condition that causes the corner of your toenail to grow into the soft flesh of your toe. Ingrown nails most often occur on your big toes.

If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow in your feet, you should seek professional treatment at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center. Diabetes increases your risk of ingrown toenail complications, like toe infections, gangrene, and toe amputation.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

The most common symptoms of ingrown toenails are pain and tenderness on one or both sides of the nail. Other ingrown toenail symptoms include redness and swelling around your toenail. If the nail becomes infected, you may also see pus draining from the side of your toenail.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Most of the time, ingrown toenails occur when you trim your nails too short or taper the edges. Short, rounded toenails may look nice or provide greater comfort, but this technique encourages the nail to curl downward and dig into your skin.

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed and treated?

First, your podiatrist at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center carefully examines your toe and reviews your symptoms and medical history.

Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for the severity of your ingrown toenail. Most ingrown toenails get better with simple home care, including:

• Soaking your foot in a warm, soapy bath several times a day
• Wearing comfortable shoes with a roomy toe box
• Wearing clean, comfortable socks
• Keeping your feet clean and dry when they aren’t soaking

Severe cases of infected ingrown toenails may require more advanced treatment, like prescription antibiotics.

In rare cases, an ingrown toenail may develop into an acute infection. This condition requires surgical removal of your toenail in a procedure called partial nail plate avulsion. Your podiatrist injects your toe with a local anesthetic and then removes a piece of the nail right in the office.

Ingrown toenails are easiest to treat when diagnosed early. If you notice symptoms of an ingrown toenail, call AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, or book an appointment online today.