Ingrown Toenail

What causes an ingrown toenail?

When your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, you have an ingrown toenail. You may develop one because you trimmed the nails too short or at an angle. Leaving your nails too long also increases the chance that you’ll develop an ingrown toenail.

Some people are at greater risk of developing ingrown toenails due to the structure of their feet or fungal infections. Consistently wearing shoes or socks that are too small also facilitates ingrown nails. 

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

As the toenail digs into the skin, you experience irritation and pain. An ingrown toenail shows up with:

• Swelling or inflammation around the nail
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Warmth

An infected ingrown toenail may ooze pus, too.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact the office of Alpine Foot and Ankle to determine the best treatment plan.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Treatment for your ingrown toenail depends on the severity of your case. For mild symptoms, Dr. McCall suggests over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. You can also benefit from soaking your foot in warm water a few times a day to ease inflammation. Also, avoid wearing tight shoes and socks; you want your foot and nails to breathe.

If you have an infection, Dr. McCall prescribes antibiotics. 

Ingrown toenails aren’t usually a major medical concern, but if you have diabetes, they can be. If you have diabetes and notice an ingrown toenail, contact Dr. McCall right away to be treated. An infection can set in quickly and spread, leading to serious complications like toe or foot amputation. 

Do ingrown toenails require surgery?

In the rare case that you have a severely ingrown toenail or experience them repeatedly despite efforts to trim your nails correctly and wear proper shoes, surgery is an option. Dr. McCall removes part of the ingrown toenail during a minor in-office surgery. 

The surgery involves cutting away the ingrown part of the toenail while you’re under local anesthesia. 

If you’re bothered by an ingrown toenail, contact Alpine Foot and Ankle today. Call the office or use this website to schedule an appointment.