Treating Ingrown Toenails: A Podiatrist’s Expertise

Ingrown toenails develop when the edges of the nail dig into or press against the skin. The pressure of the toenail pressing against or digging into the skin causes inflammation, redness, pain, and discomfort. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to infection and other problems, so it is best to seek treatment. The experienced podiatrist at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Pennsauken and Turnersville, NJ, treats ingrown toenails. 

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

A variety of factors can lead to toenails becoming ingrown. One common cause is trimming the nails too short, especially along the corners or edges of the nails on the big toes. Other factors that can cause ingrown toenails include:

• A toe injury
• Fungal infection of the nails 
• Tight-fitting shoes that squish or cramp the toes
• Curving the toenails when trimming rather than cutting them straight across 
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

Signs of an Ingrown Toenail 

Ingrown toenails are associated with several symptoms. Some common signs a nail is ingrown include:

• The pain and discomfort
• Tenderness at the side of the toenail
• Redness and swelling around the toenail
• Infected skin around the toenail
• The skin around the nail is infected
• Pus around the toenail 

Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

If not treated promptly, ingrown toenails can lead to infection, which can spread to other areas. Additionally, untreated ingrown toenails could result in ongoing pain and discomfort, so it is best to seek treatment. Over-the-counter remedies are available, but seeing a podiatrist is best since they have expertise in treating ingrown toenails and other foot conditions. 

The skilled podiatrist at our offices in Pennsauken, Turnersville, NJ, will develop a plan for treating your ingrown toenail that is tailored to your needs. Some common treatment options include:

• Antibiotics to clear up any infection 
• Performing a partial nail plate avulsion to remove the ingrown portion of the nail
• Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water several times a day to alleviate pressure and reduce inflammation 
• Wearing loose-fitting socks and shoes to avoid irritating the toenail
• Pain relief medication for discomfort until the ingrown nail is healed

If the ingrown portion of the toenail is removed, a special solution will be applied to the area to prevent that part of the nail from growing back and becoming ingrown again. Other steps that can be taken to prevent ingrown toenails include wearing shoes with sufficient room for the toes, trimming nails straight across, keeping the feet clean and dry to prevent infection, and wearing moisture-wicking socks.

To prevent infection and other issues, it is best to see a podiatrist for the treatment of ingrown toenails. To schedule an appointment with our expert podiatrist, call Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Pennsauken, and Turnersville, NJ, at (856) 488-5290 for the Pennsauken office or (856) 875-8855 for Turnersville.