Ingrown Toenail

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails form gradually as your nail grows into the soft flesh surrounding your nail bed. While they’re most common in your big toe, on one or both sides, any of your toenails can certainly become ingrown. Your risk of developing an ingrown toenail could stem from:

• Trimming your toenails too short
• Rounding out your toenail edges
• Wearing socks or shoes that are too tight
• Having unusually curved toenails (pincer nails)

If you’ve had a fungal infection in the past, such as fungal nails, your risk of suffering from an ingrown toenail is higher. 

Do I need treatment for an ingrown toenail?

Yes! An ingrown toenail is never something you should overlook or try to treat on your own. Wounds on your feet are prone to serious infection, especially if you have poor blood circulation, which is common with diabetes. 

Without proper treatment, ingrown toenails can become so severe, the infection can spread into your bones, which is a complex medical issue. The podiatry team at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates encourages you to come in soon for an ingrown toenail evaluation if you experience:

• Redness
• Tenderness 
• Inflammation 
• Oozing or pus

These could be early indicators of an ingrown toenail infection that warrants prompt medical attention. 

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Your ingrown toenail treatment from North Star Foot & Ankle Associates depends on the severity of your condition or any infection that’s present. Treating an ingrown toenail may involve:

• Nail lifting with a splint
• Epsom salt soaks
• Oral antibiotics

Ingrown toenail surgery, which is an in-office procedure performed with a numbing injection, involves removing the ingrown portion of your nail and treating the infection directly. 

If you have a severely ingrown toenail or continue developing ingrown toenails, your podiatrist at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates could recommend removing the nail entirely. 

Your podiatrist can even destroy or remove the nail root, as a last resort, so your problem nail never grows back.

Before your ingrown toenail gets any worse, schedule an evaluation at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates. You can conveniently book an appointment either online or over the phone.