Ingrown Toenails

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails may result from improperly trimming your toenails so that sharp edges pierce the skin around the toe and continue growing. Another cause of ingrown toenails is from wearing ill-fitting or tight-fitting shoes. Other causes include a curved growth pattern of the nail itself or an injury or trauma to the toe that damages the nail.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

Ingrown toenails present with pain and redness around the toenail, and sometimes have swelling of the toe around the nail. If the injury becomes infected, there can be the presence of puss or drainage under the skin. The pain will also be increased and make it difficult to go about your daily life. Even just walking and standing can become too painful with an infected ingrown toenail as just putting weight on it hurts.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail is likely to develop an infection and may even require surgery to remove the nail.

Treatment Options For Ingrown Toenails

When ingrown toenails first start to develop, there are some things you can do to try and fix them. However, if caring for your ingrown toenail at home is not solving the problem, you should come into our office to see our podiatrists.

Home Remedies

It is possible to care for minor ingrown toenails on your own. You can do this by:

• Soaking the foot in warm water.
• Keeping the area clean.
• Applying antibiotic cream to the area.
• Wrapping the toe in gauze or bandages.
• Wear sensible footwear that is not too tight on your toes.
• Take pain relievers to ease your discomfort.

However, if there are signs of an infection, such as pus, or if you have diabetes or another disorder that interferes with circulation or immune response, you need to consult with our podiatrists as soon as possible. Our podiatrists will provide the following treatments.

Lifting The Nail

The ingrown nail is carefully lifted at the edge and placed cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it. This will raise the nail from the skin and help it grow properly.

Partial Removal Of The Nail

For more severe cases, the ingrown portion of the nail may be removed to eliminate the infection. Removal of an ingrown portion may be partial or complete and is performed under local anesthetic. This outpatient procedure is done right in our office, so you do not have to go to the hospital at all.

Removing The Nail And Tissue

For a recurrent ingrown toenail, a portion of the nail and the underlying tissue forming the nail bed may be removed. Our podiatrists might put a chemical on the nail bed or use a laser where the nail has been removed to prevent that part of the nail from growing back into yet another ingrown toenail. The procedure is also performed under local anesthetic right in our clinic.

How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by trimming your nails straight across and keeping them at a moderate length. Make sure your shoes fit properly and do not place your toes under pressure. Wear protective footwear if your activities put your toes at risk of trauma. You should also check your feet daily for symptoms, especially if you have diabetes. Patients with diabetes and other underlying conditions that put them at greater risk for infection or complications should visit our office for regular check-ups to keep their feet from major complications.

We Can Help You With Your Ingrown Toenails!

Need help with ingrown toenails or any other foot and ankle issue? Contact us today by calling (949) 364-9255 or by filling out our online form to book an appointment for a proper examination and diagnosis. Let our amazing team of foot care specialists take care of you!