Ingrown toenails are a result of the corner or side of your toenail growing into the soft flesh adjacent to it. This usually affects your big toe, which then becomes painful and swollen. Although ingrown toenails are common, they can lead to infection and other complications – especially if you suffer from diabetes or another condition that affects the blood flow to your feet.

If you are experiencing pain and tenderness along the side of your toenail, call us for a consultation so that we can diagnose the problem and help relieve your discomfort with appropriate treatment. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to a serious bone infection. Even a minor foot injury may not heal properly and lead to an infection or a difficult-to-heal open sore that could result in gangrene and require surgery.

Ingrown toenails are sometimes caused by shoes that are crowding your toes, toenails that are trimmed too short, or nails that are injured. There are several ways to treat ingrown toenails depending on the severity. One way is for a healthcare professional to lift the nail and place a soft ‘splint’ under it until the nail grows above the skin. Another way is to partially remove the nail along with the underlying tissue. This can be done by a laser or the application of a chemical. Topical or oral antibiotics may also be recommended if the toe is at risk of becoming infected.

Once your ingrown toenail is professionally treated, you can prevent a reoccurrence by trimming you nails straight across, keeping them at a moderate length so that they are at the tip of your toes, and wearing shoes that fit properly. If you are diabetic or have a condition that prevents blood from flowing properly to your feet, you may consider having a podiatrist regularly trim your toenails for you.

Call us so that we can schedule a professional evaluation and recommend a treatment that will bring you pain relief and prevent infection. Don’t let an ingrown toenail escalate to a point where surgery is needed! Professional care is just a phone call away.