Ingrown Toenails

Woodlands Center For Special Surgery

Orthopaedic, Hand, Foot & Ankle Surgeons & Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Specialists located in The Woodlands, TX & Willis, TX

If you have sweaty feet or a chronic condition like diabetes, you’re more likely to experience ingrown toenails. At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, Dr. Mark Ciaglia, DO, Dr. William J. Jordan, MD, Dr. Hemali Patel, DPM, and the team work with patients of all ages to diagnose and treat ingrown toenails using safe, minimally invasive methods. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot-related health problems. They occur when your toenail grows into the soft skin surrounding the nail bed instead of up and out. Ingrown toenails can affect any of your toes, but they’re especially common on the big toe.

In most cases, rest and home treatments ease pain and swelling caused by ingrown toenails. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, though, seek professional help. These conditions increase your risk of infection and more serious health problems.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Common symptoms associated with ingrown toenails include:

Toe pain
Toe tenderness
Redness around the affected toenail
Swelling
Warmth

As the ingrown toenail gets worse, you might also notice signs of an infection, such as pus or the formation of an abscess.

Is there any way to prevent ingrown toenails?

There’s no way to prevent ingrown toenails entirely, but there are several things you can do to significantly lower your risk.

Your provider recommends cutting your toenails straight across, wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly, keeping your toenails at a moderate length, and inspecting your feet regularly.

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

To diagnose an ingrown toenail, your provider physically examines your feet and toes, asks about your symptoms, and reviews your medical history.

If they suspect you have an infection, they might also order an X-ray or MRI to get a closer look at your toe’s bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissue structures.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Treatment of ingrown toenails depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Your provider might recommend:

Lifting the nail

If you have a mild ingrown toenail that causes redness and pain, you might benefit from lifting the nail. Your provider carefully lifts your nail and places a splint under it. This separates your nail from your skin and helps the nail grow outward.

Partially removing the nail

If you have an ingrown nail that’s red, painful, or oozing pus, your provider might recommend partially removing the nail. Prior to treatment, they administer a local anesthetic to numb your toe. Once the anesthesia sets in, they trim or completely remove the ingrown portion of your affected nail.

Removing the nail and tissue

If you have a history of ingrown toenails and they don’t respond to traditional treatments, you might benefit from the complete removal of your nail and tissue. Your provider can perform this type of treatment with chemicals or a medical laser.

Don’t let ingrown toenails negatively affect your quality of life. Call Woodlands Center for Special Surgery to schedule an appointment or request one online today.