Ingrown Toenail Treatment

When Should You See Our Podiatrists for an Ingrown Toenail?

While some mild ingrown toenails can be managed at home, professional treatment is the best choice in many cases, especially if you experience:

• Signs of infection – Symptoms like severe pain, pus, redness, swelling, or warmth around the nail indicate an infection that requires prompt attention.
• Diabetes or poor circulation – If you have a condition that impairs healing, professional care is essential to prevent serious complications.
• Persistent or severe pain – If your ingrown toenail is too painful to treat at home, we can provide relief with minimal discomfort.
• No improvement after home care – If soaking and self-care don’t help within a couple of days, a different approach may be needed.
• Recurring ingrown toenails – Frequent ingrown nails are not normal and may require a more permanent solution.

You don’t have to wait for the problem to worsen—schedule an appointment today for expert ingrown toenail treatment.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin. Common causes include:

• Improper nail trimming – Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can lead to improper growth.
• Tight or ill-fitting footwear – Shoes that squeeze the toes can increase pressure and force nails into the skin.
• Foot injuries – Trauma, including stubbed toes or repetitive impact from running, can alter nail growth.
• Genetics – Some people naturally have more curved toenails, making them more prone to ingrown nails.

If you’re unsure why you’re experiencing frequent ingrown toenails, our specialists can assess the issue and recommend effective solutions.

Effective Ingrown Toenail Treatments

For mild ingrown toenails, home treatment may provide relief:

1. Soak your foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling.
2. Gently dry the area and apply antibiotic ointment.
3. Protect the toe with a bandage.
4. Avoid tight shoes and opt for open-toed footwear while healing.

If symptoms persist or worsen, professional treatment may be necessary. We offer several in-office procedures:

• Nail lifting – We carefully lift the ingrown nail to allow proper growth.
• Partial nail removal – If the ingrown portion is severe, we remove part of the nail under local anesthesia.
• Permanent nail removal – For chronic cases, we may use a specialized treatment to prevent regrowth and recurring problems.

After treatment, we apply antibacterial ointment and bandage the toe. Following our recovery instructions ensures proper healing, and you may need someone to drive you home if a procedure is performed.