Ingrown Toenail Specialist

Why do ingrown toenails occur?

Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocryptosis, occur when the corners of your toenail start growing into the skin next to your nail. This breaks the skin and causes inflammation. Even though ingrown toenails tend to affect your big toenail, they can form in any one of your nails.

Common causes and risk factors of ingrown toenails include:

• Improper toenail trimming
• Irregular, curved nails
• Snug-fitting shoes
• Trauma or injury
• Poor posture

Ingrown toenails are common for athletes, although anyone of any age can develop an ingrown toenail.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails often begin with a little soreness or redness. You might overlook it or think nothing of it. But as that nail continues to grow and dig into your skin, you may start experiencing:

• Severe tenderness along the side of your toenail
• Progressing redness and swelling in your toe
• Oozing or pus draining from your toenail

If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become so severe they lead to a deep infection that can impact underlying bones. Before your ingrown toenail gets any worse, see how the dedicated podiatry team at Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates can help.

Do I need treatment for an ingrown toenail?

Yes. After all, once a toenail becomes ingrown, it’s only going to progress. This is especially dangerous for diabetics who have issues with slow-healing wounds.

In the early stages, you may benefit from a simple nail splint. A splint promotes normal nail growth away from your skin tissue, so your ingrown toenail gradually starts to improve.

For more severe ingrown toenails, or if you have an infection, your podiatrist at Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates may suggest surgery. Ingrown toenail surgery involves thoroughly numbing your toe and removing either part of your toenail or your entire toenail. This way, your podiatrist can treat underlying skin tissue directly and more effectively resolve your infection.

If you continue getting ingrown toenails because of your curved nail shape, after removing your toenail, you may benefit from a chemical or laser treatment to stop future nail growth altogether. This is usually the last resort for more complex ingrown toenail cases.

Schedule your ingrown toenail evaluation at Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates today. Click on the online booking feature or call either location to book.