Ingrown Toenails
Relief for Painful and Infected Toenails
Effective Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and inflammation. While mild cases can often be treated at home, more severe or recurring ingrown toenails may require professional care to relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
Causes
Ingrown toenails usually develop when pressure or improper nail growth pushes the nail edge into the skin. Common causes include:
- Improper nail trimming (cutting nails too short or rounding the corners)
- Tight or ill-fitting shoes that compress the toes
- Injury or repeated trauma to the nail
- Fungal nail infections that thicken or distort the nail shape
- Genetic predisposition to curved or wide nails
The condition most often affects the big toe, but any toenail can become ingrown under the right conditions.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling along one or both sides of the nail
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the toe
- Drainage of fluid or pus (indicating possible infection)
- Overgrowth of skin around the nail edge
If pain becomes severe or infection develops, medical treatment is necessary to prevent complications.
Treatment Options
Early treatment can prevent infection and speed healing.
Home Care:
- Soak the foot daily in warm water to reduce inflammation
- Gently massage the side of the nail to relieve pressure
- Avoid trimming the nail or cutting into the corners
- Wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to prevent irritation
Medical Treatment:
If home care does not provide relief, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Lifting or trimming the ingrown nail edge to allow proper growth
- Antibiotic therapy to treat or prevent infection
- Partial nail removal (matrixectomy) for chronic or recurring cases
- Removal of excess tissue if skin has grown around the nail
These procedures are typically quick and performed under local anesthesia for minimal discomfort.
Prevention
To prevent future ingrown toenails:
- Trim nails straight across and avoid rounding corners
- Wear properly fitting shoes with enough toe room
- Keep nails clean and dry to reduce infection risk
- Address any fungal infections promptly
Don’t let an ingrown toenail keep you off your feet. Contact our office today for expert treatment and long-term relief.
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