What is an Ingrown Toenail
An Ingrown toenail is a common, although painful, nail impairment which occurs when the toenail curves into the flesh of the toe digging into the soft tissue. Ingrown toenails are often caused by improperly trimming toenails, tight fitting shoes, repeated trauma, or heredity. While ingrown toenails can occur in any toe, the big toe is the most commonly affected.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
- “Proud Flesh”
Ingrown Toenail Pain Relief
- Soak the infected area in warm salt water or soapy water
- Apply antiseptic and bandage
*Do NOT attempt to remove the infected nail on your own. If pain persists or worsens, visit your podiatrist for medical attention.
*People with circulatory disorders, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, etc., should avoid self-treatment and seek podiatric care as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails
A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and prescribe an oral or topical medication to treat the infection. For those with a chronic ingrown toenail problem, a podiatrist can perform a procedure involving the removal of the root and corner of the nail.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
Call your podiatrist immediately if drainage or excessive redness is present or when home treatment has been unsuccessful. *If you have poor circulation or diabetes, seek immediate treatment at the first sign of an ingrown toenail to avoid more serious complications.
Ingrown Toenail Prevention
- Proper toenail trimming technique – cut straight across at the tip of the toe using toenail clippers. Round corners gently with a nail file.
- Never rip or dig into corners of toenails.
- Avoid shoes with narrow or pointy toe boxes.
Here at Podiatry Associates, we will help you determine the best possible treatment option to provide the relief you need. Contact us today!
Your podiatric physician/surgeon has been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot conditions. This training encompasses all the intricately related systems and structures of the foot and lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
The information on this page is provided by The American Podiatric Medical Association.