Ingrown Toenail Specialist

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a common podiatric problem that occurs when your toenail curves downward and grows into the soft flesh surrounding your toe. Ingrown toenails can affect any of your toes, but they’re most common on your big toe. 

In most cases, you can care for an ingrown toenail on your own. However, if the pain you experience is severe or spreading, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. This is especially true if you have diabetes or another chronic ailment that increases your risk of infection. 

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail depend on its location and severity. However, common signs, include: 

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness around your toenail
• Swelling around your toenail

As your condition progresses, you might also notice pus or other drainage leaking from your affected nail. 

What causes ingrown toenails to form?

There are a variety of factors that can cause an ingrown toenail to form, including: 

• Stubbing your toe
• Wearing shoes that crowd your toenails
• Having unusually curved toenails

You’re also more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you cut your toenails at an angle instead of straight across. 

Ingrown toenails are unsightly and painful, but if you have diabetes, they can also lead to more serious health problems such as infection or gangrene. To limit your risk of more serious complications, it’s recommended you inspect your feet carefully at least once each day. 

How do you diagnose an ingrown toenail?

To diagnose an ingrown toenail, your Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists provider reviews your medical history, asks you questions about your symptoms, and physically examines your feet and toes. Your doctor also inspects your toenails as well as the color and condition of your surrounding skin. Usually, these tests provide enough insight to make a diagnosis. 

How do you treat an ingrown toenail?

Treatment for an ingrown toenail depends on the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, the team at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists uses noninvasive conservative means of treatment. 

For example, your doctor might recommend lifting the nail or taking prescription antibiotics. If your symptoms persist, your doctor might recommend partially removing the affected nail or completely removing your nail and surrounding tissue. 

To learn more about the treatment options for an ingrown toenail, make an appointment with the team at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC. Call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool today.