An ingrown toenail may not sound like a big deal, but it can be painful and a potential health risk. It is also surprisingly common, with two out of 10 people who see a doctor about a foot problem suffering from the condition.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available as well as steps to take to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Our highly skilled podiatric surgeons at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle in Corona and Ontario, California, provide personalized care for a wide range of foot and ankle concerns from acute issues like an ingrown toenail to chronic conditions such as arthritis. We partner with our patients and create a customized treatment plan for the fastest and fullest recovery possible.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of the nail grows into the skin. It happens most often with the big toe but can strike any digit. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and inflamed skin.
Often an ingrown toenail can be treated at home. In some cases, however, it can become infected and requires professional care. Issues are more likely to develop in people with diabetes, poor blood circulation, or those who have severe nerve damage.
Red flags to watch out for include the following:
Treatment options depend on the ingrown toenail and the individual's health. One method is lifting the nail to place a piece of cotton or a splint underneath to give it space to grow away from the skin. Another possibility is taping, which pulls the skin away from the nail.
For infections, the nail may be partially or completely removed using local anesthetic for comfort.
There are some factors out of people's control that can contribute to developing an ingrown toenail, such as toe shape and nail size, being an adolescent or athlete, or having certain health conditions.
However, there are also things people can do to help prevent developing an ingrown toenail. They include:
Nails should be cut straight across and not too short. Those that are rounded can grow into the skin.
Shoes that are too tight for the toes can contribute to developing an ingrown toenail.
Trauma to the toe, like banging it or getting stepped on, can result in a toenail becoming ingrown.
If you're experiencing an ingrown toenail, especially one that includes pain, swelling, or redness, it's important to see a medical professional for proper treatment. We can help.
Click to book an appointment or call the Corona office at 951-735-8806 or the Ontario office at 909-983-5710 today.