Ingrown nails may seem like a minor issue, but they can be dangerous if they become infected. These nails will cut into the skin located around your nail bed and cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have an ingrown nail, contact our experts here at Diablo Foot and Ankle located at Bass Medical Group. Our board-certified Podiatrists have the knowledge and skills needed to treat acute and chronic cases of ingrown nails. We will also provide you with more information on preventing toenail ingrown issues in the future.

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What Is an Ingrown Nail?

An ingrown nail is a common condition that occurs in the toes. Typically, you will end up with an ingrown toenail when the nail begins to cut into the skin located around your nail instead of growing naturally straight and flat. In most cases, the big toe is the one that will end up with an ingrown nail; however, an ingrown nail can occur on any toe.

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What Causes Ingrown Nail Toe Issues?

Individuals who have toenails that curve naturally are more likely to end up with ingrown toenail pain and discomfort. If you fail to properly cut your toenails, such as cutting them on a curve or too short, you will increase your risk of developing ingrown nails. Also, wearing shoes that are too tight around the toe area can increase your chances of having ingrown nails. This due to the pressure that shoes put on your toes, which will cause the nails to grow into your skin over time.

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How Do I Prevent Ingrown Nails?

There are several things you can do to prevent the occurrence of ingrown toenails.

• Trim your toenails straight in a line, and do not curve the nails based on the shape of your toe.
• Keep your toenails at a moderate length. Be sure to trim them so that they remain even with the tops of your toes
• Always wear shoes that fit correctly and are not too tight across the toes
• Wear protective footwear as needed
• Check your feet regularly for any issues

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What Is the Cure for Ingrown Nails?

If this is the first time you’ve experienced an ingrown toenail, it may be possible to treat it at home, as long as there are no signs of any infections. Allow your feet to soak in warm water for around 20 minutes. Then after they have soaked, dry your feet thoroughly and gently lift the nail out of the nail bed. You can support it using a cotton ball, allowing the nail to grow straight once again.

If you are experiencing too much pain or have noticed an infection with your ingrown nail, you must see a podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment. If you simply don’t feel comfortable treating your ingrown nail on your own, our Podiatrists here at Diablo Foot and Ankle will be happy to help.

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Treatment for Ingrown Nails

Our Podiatrists at Diablo Foot and Ankle will provide minimally invasive treatment options for your ingrown nail, depending on the severity and chronicity of the nail problem.  The most common treatment option is a procedure called a partial nail avulsion, wherein after local anesthesia is provided, a thin margin along the ingrowing side of the toenail is resected to relieve symptoms immediately. This procedure is performed in the office, and can be performed at the time of the initial visit. It usually takes no longer than 10 minutes, and allows for returning to full activity the next day. 

If you tend to get ingrown toenails often, have a medical condition that affects your circulation or feeling in your feet, or if your ingrown nail fails to respond to any treatment at home, you should get in touch with our Podiatrists at the first sign of an ingrown nail. We will be happy to assist you as quickly as we can so that you can go back to living your life pain-free. 

Get in contact with our board-certified Podiatrists here at Diablo Foot and Ankle today to discuss your treatment options for ingrown toenails. A member of our team will determine the severity of your ingrown nail and come up with a treatment option that works best for your situation.