Ingrown Toenail Specialist

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Most men and women develop an ingrown toenail at some point in life — they’re one of the most common foot issues. Usually, ingrown toenails occur because you cut your toenails too short or trim them incorrectly. But you can also have ingrown toenails due to:

• Toenail injury
• Snug-fitting shoes
• Curved toenail growth

Before your ingrown toenail worsens, get started on treatment and learn what you can do to prevent further issues.

What is the treatment for an ingrown toenail?

If you have pain or tenderness along one or both sides of your toenail, notice some inflammation or swelling, or see pus, it’s time to get treatment for that ingrown toenail right away. Resolving ingrown toenail pain and infection depends on the severity of your condition.

If you have a severe ingrown toenail or a deep infection, you could need an in-office ingrown toenail surgery at Town Center Foot & Ankle. This procedure involves either partially or fully removing your ingrown nail and any affected surrounding tissue. If you have an infection, you could need antibiotic medication to help you recover, too.

How do I prevent an ingrown toenail?

It’s important to check your feet daily to ensure you don’t have any hidden wounds and to check that your nails are growing incorrectly. To minimize future ingrown toenail issues, you should:

• Trim your toenails straight across
• Avoid rounding your toenail edges
• Regularly soak your feet in warm water
• Wear shoes with plenty of toe room

If your toenails become ingrown because you have overly curved nails, your podiatry team at Town Center Foot & Ankle can teach you how to care for your unique nail shape, so you hopefully won’t have to worry about another painful ingrown toenail in the future.

See what the team at Town Center Foot & Ankle can do to resolve your ingrown toenail. Request your exam over the phone or request an appointment online with your closest clinic.