Ingrown Toenail Specialist

What causes ingrown toenails?

Your nails can start growing into your nail bed skin, rather than over it, for a variety of reasons. Usually, it’s due to improper trimming, especially on your big toe, although any toenail can certainly become ingrown.

By rounding out your toenail edges or cutting your nails too short, as your nails grow, they dig and irritate the skin around them. Your risk of struggling with ingrown toenails is also sometimes linked to:

• Trauma, including stubbing your toe
• Wearing snug shoes with not enough room in the toe box
• Repeated stress, like if you run long distances or work on your feet all day

It’s also possible that you’re prone to developing ingrown toenails because of your inherited nail shape. Having overly curved nails can cause you to have an ongoing issue with ingrown toenails.

Do I need treatment for an ingrown toenail?

Yes! An ingrown toenail is never something you should ignore since it’s only going to worsen as your nail grows, which can lead to infection. It’s important to have an ingrown toenail evaluation at Foot & Ankle Institute if you experience any of the following symptoms.

• Redness
• Swelling
• Oozing
• Soreness

These are initial warning signs that your ingrown toenail is likely infected. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can become severe and lead to a serious and painful bone infection.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

At Foot & Ankle Institute, our doctors offer a variety of ingrown toenail solutions, based on your specific condition. Treating an ingrown toenail can include:

• Properly trimming your nails straight across
• Carefully removing the ingrown part of your nail
• Placing a splint underneath the ingrown part of the nail

If you have a more severe ingrown toenail that’s showing signs of infection, we might recommend ingrown toenail surgery. Here we numb your toe and remove either a large portion of your toenail or the entire nail.

This allows us to treat the infection directly, so your skin and infection heal as your new nail grows back in. Once we treat your current ingrown toenail, we can show you how to care for your feet and nails at home to reduce your risk of further ingrown toenails.

If your ingrown toenail is worsening and causing pain, contact Foot & Ankle Institute right away for treatment. Click on the online booking feature or call our offices directly for an appointment.