Ingrown Toenails

Book an appointment
Ingrown Toenails

CONDITIONS

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail, typically the big toe, curves and grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and even infection.

  • Improper nail trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners can increase the risk of the nail growing into the skin.
  • Tight shoes: Wearing shoes that crowd the toes can put pressure on the nails and force them to grow inward.
  • Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can also lead to an ingrown toenail.
  • Nail shape: Some people have naturally curved or thickened nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown.
  • Pain: The affected toe may be tender, sore, or painful to the touch.
  • Redness and swelling: The skin around the ingrown nail may be red, swollen, and warm.
  • Infection: In some cases, the area may become infected, leading to pus, discharge, and a foul odor.

A podiatrist can treat ingrown toenails using a variety of methods, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches:

For mild cases, a podiatrist may recommend conservative measures such as:
  • Soaking the foot in warm water to soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
  • Proper nail trimming: Cutting the toenail straight across and avoiding rounding the corners.
  • Placing cotton under the ingrown edge of the nail to lift it slightly and encourage it to grow above the skin.
  • Applying topical medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Nail Surgery
Book an appointment

TESTIMONIALS

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying