Ingrown Toenail

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Though you may develop an ingrown toenail on any toe, they most commonly affect the big toe. 

With an ingrown toenail, you may have severe pain, redness, or swelling. If infected, your toe may be warm to the touch and ooze pus. 

What causes an ingrown toenail?

There are many potential causes of an ingrown toenail. Some people are more susceptible to the foot condition because they have an abnormally large toenail. You may also develop an ingrown toenail from trauma to the toe.

However, most people develop ingrown toenails because they cut their nails too short or wear shoes that are too tight in the toes. 

When should I seek help for an ingrown toenail?

Many people can take care of their ingrown toenails at home. However, you should schedule an appointment with the experts at Meridian Podiatry if your ingrown toenail causes severe pain, fails to improve within a few days of at-home care, or you suspect you have an infection.

The team also recommends anyone with diabetes and an ingrown toenail come in for care right away. People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing an infection from their ingrown toenails that can lead to tissue death — also known as gangrene — and limb amputation. 

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Treatment for your ingrown toenail depends on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and whether you have an infection or not.

With early intervention, the team may be able to treat your ingrown toenail without surgery. During the early stages, they may recommend:

• Soaking your affected foot in warm water 3-4 times a day
• Keeping your feet dry when not soaking
• Wearing comfortable shoes with plenty of room for your toes
• Lifting and packing your embedded toenail with gauze to redirect growth
• Onyfix nail correction treatment
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain
• Antibiotics for an infection

Onyfix nail correction system is a quick, pain free treatment option for an ingrown toenail with no down time. It allows the nail to grow naturally without ingrowing on the ccorners and causing pain. This is a safe option for people of all ages.

If your ingrown toenail causes severe pain and you have swelling, redness, and drainage, the team may suggest surgery to fix your toenail. During surgery for an ingrown toenail, your board-certified podiatrist removes the portion of your toenail embedded into the flesh.

When performing ingrown toenail surgery, the team uses techniques that cause little to no pain, and most patients can go back to work or school afterward.

They also provide education on proper care for your toenails, including toenail cutting techniques, to prevent a recurrence of your ingrown toenail.

For expert care for an ingrown toenail, call Meridian Podiatry or book an appointment online today.