Ingrown Toenails Specialist

What are ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when your toenail curves downward and grows into the soft skin surrounding your nail. Ultimately, this causes pain, redness, and swelling. Depending on your physical health, it might also increase your risk of infection or more serious complications. Ingrown toenails can affect any toe, but they’re especially common on your big toes. 

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

The most common symptoms associated with an ingrown toenail is redness and general irritation. However, other telltale signs include:

• Swelling around your toe
• Pain and tenderness
• Infection of the tissue surrounding your nail
• Increased sensitivity

As the condition progresses, your affected toe might also release pus. 

What causes ingrown toenails?

There are many reasons ingrown toenails develop. Some common causes of ingrown toenails include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Injuring your toenail
• Having unusually curved toenails
• Wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes
• Wearing shoes without a roomy toe box

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

Can an ingrown toenail lead to other complications?

Yes. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail may infect your bone or underlying soft tissues. This is especially true if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or another condition that affects your circulatory system. If you cut your toe and have poor circulation, an open wound may form, increasing your risk of gangrene and even amputation. 

How do you diagnose ingrown toenails?

To diagnose an ingrown toenail, Dr. Cruz physically examines your feet and toes and asks you a series of questions about your symptoms. Dr. Cruz also examines the skin and soft tissue surrounding your toes and nail bed. 

How are ingrown toenails treated?

If traditional measures of care like rest or soaking your foot in warm water doesn’t relieve your symptoms, Dr. Cruz might recommend surgical intervention. Depending on the severity of your ingrown toenail, this might include lifting your nail, partially removing your nail, or completely removing the nail and surrounding tissue. Dr. Cruz performs all of these procedures in office as outpatient operations. 

If an ingrown toenail is negatively impacting your quality of life, make an appointment at Gentle Foot Care Clinic today. Call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool to request an appointment.