Ingrown Toenails Services
Our podiatrists offer effective treatment for ingrown toenails, providing relief from pain and preventing future occurrences through personalized care plans.
Comprehensive Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Ingrown toenails, which commonly affect the big toes, can cause significant pain as they dig into the surrounding skin. At Skylake Medical Associates, we provide prompt and effective treatment for ingrown toenails. Our specialists can remove the problematic nail and promote the growth of a healthy new nail in a single visit. For relief from the discomfort of ingrown toenails, call Skylake Medical Associates today or schedule a consultation online.
Ingrown Toenails Q & A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail forms when the side or corner of your toenail starts growing into the soft flesh surrounding it. Ingrown toenails usually affect your big toe but can happen in any toe.
Ingrown toenails can be quite painful, especially when the nail sinks deep into the toe. The nail can curve in on itself as it grows, causing extreme tenderness. You might have trouble wearing socks and shoes over a severe ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenails can also make it hard to walk or run. The toe will likely develop inflammation, and, in some cases, ingrown toenails can become infected. This is particularly concerning for people with diabetes, who are prone to diabetic ulcers.
These open wounds form when nerve damage (neuropathy) prevents you from feeling foot injuries. Healing them is challenging, and they can cause severe complications, sometimes leading to limb amputation.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Most of the time, ingrown toenails are caused by improper trimming — cutting your nails too short and/or shaping the sides. Other things that encourage ingrown toenails include:
Ill-fitting footwear
Tight shoes compress your toes, causing abnormal nail development.
Fungal infections
Fungal nails thicken and widen, making ingrown toenails more likely.
Genetics
Your chance of developing ingrown toenails is higher if a family member has them.
Injuries
Trauma to the nail can change how it grows and trigger ingrowth.
To avoid ingrown toenails, leave them the same length as your toe and cut them straight across.
What symptoms do ingrown toenails cause?
Common ingrown toenail symptoms include:
- Pain on one or both sides of the toe
- Redness around the affected toenail
- Inflammation in the soft flesh around the toenail
Infection might cause pus to leak from under the toenail.
What treatments do ingrown toenails need?
The Adler Foot and Ankle team can often resolve an ingrown toenail in one visit. They raise and clean the ingrown nail and remove excess tissue. If you have an infection, they’ll prescribe antibiotics.
Patients whose ingrown toenails are severe or keep returning might benefit from partial toenail removal. Your podiatrist takes underlying tissue, too, so that the nail won’t be distorted when it grows back. Ingrown toenail removal is a simple in-office procedure done under a local anesthetic.
Call Adler Foot and Ankle today or book an appointment online for fast relief from painful ingrown toenails.
Ingrown Toenails Q & A
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. While the big toe is commonly affected, ingrown toenails can occur in any toe.
These painful conditions can cause discomfort, especially when the nail embeds deeply into the toe. In severe cases, the nail may curve inward, leading to extreme tenderness and difficulty wearing socks and shoes.
Ingrown toenails can also impair walking or running and may lead to inflammation and, in some instances, infection. This poses particular risks for individuals with diabetes, who are susceptible to diabetic ulcers.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or shaping the sides, is a common cause of ingrown toenails. Other factors contributing to their development include:
Ill-fitting footwear that compresses the toes
Fungal infections, which can thicken and widen the nails
Genetic predisposition, particularly if a family member has experienced ingrown toenails
Trauma to the nail, altering its growth pattern and triggering ingrowth
To prevent ingrown toenails, maintain your nails at the same length as your toes and cut them straight across.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
Common symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
Pain on one or both sides of the toe
Redness surrounding the affected toenail
Inflammation in the soft tissue surrounding the toenail
Pus discharge from beneath the toenail in cases of infection
Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails
What Treatments Do Ingrown Toenails Need?
Skylake Medical Associates can often resolve ingrown toenails in a single visit. Treatment involves lifting and cleansing the ingrown nail while removing excess tissue. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
For individuals with severe or recurring ingrown toenails, partial toenail removal may be recommended. This procedure, performed under local anesthesia in-office, ensures proper nail regrowth without distortion.
For fast relief from painful ingrown toenails, contact Skylake Medical Associates today or schedule an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own?
Mild cases may improve with at-home care, but severe cases typically require professional treatment to prevent infection or complications.
How long does it take to recover from ingrown toenail treatment?
Recovery time varies based on the procedure, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week.
Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, making it virtually painless. Post-procedure discomfort is generally minimal.
How can I prevent future ingrown toenails?
Proper nail trimming, wearing well-fitted shoes, and maintaining foot hygiene are key preventive measures.
What should I do if my ingrown toenail is infected?
Seek medical attention promptly, as infections can worsen if left untreated.
