When Does an Ingrown Toenail Require a Visit to the Podiatrist?

Virtually everyone will experience an ingrown toenail at some point. This foot health condition develops when the corner or outside edge of your toenail begins to grow into the soft flesh at the sides of the nail, rather than extending straight out from the base of your nail. 

Ingrown toenails sometimes bring only minimal discomfort, but they can also be incredibly painful and perhaps lead to an infection. Knowing when to seek professional help isn’t always easy.

At Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center in White Plains and Purchase, New York, podiatric surgeons Mariola Rivera, DPM, and Lisa Shah, DPM, offer expert care for your foot care needs, including ingrown toenails. Learn more here.

What causes ingrown toenails?

A number of different things can cause an ingrown toenail. Some of the contributing factors include:

• Cutting or trimming your nails too short or in a curved or rounded shape
• Nail infections
• Naturally curved toenail shape
• Wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box
• Certain medical conditions
• Injury to the toenail

As you can see, some of these factors are within your control, while others are not. Some people encounter ingrown toenails infrequently, while others develop them again and again. 

What is it like to have an ingrown toenail?

The most common symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain or tenderness at the sides of the affected nail. You might also notice that the skin at the sides of your nail is red or inflamed. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can develop an infection, which creates significant discomfort, swelling, and even pus drainage. 

It’s important to pay attention to the messages your body sends. If you notice pain around your toenail, keep an eye on it and look for the abovementioned signs of an ingrown toenail. 

When is it time to see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?

If you’re diabetic, you should reach out to your podiatrist any time you note changes in your feet or toes. Diabetes robs your body of proper circulation, which is an essential part of the healing process. 

There is no need to suffer through significant pain when help is readily available. If your ingrown toenail symptoms don't improve within a few days, or if your pain grows worse, call the Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center office to find an appointment time that fits your schedule. You can also book a visit using the easy online scheduling page. 

What can be done to treat ingrown toenails?

Your treatment path depends on the severity of your ingrown toenail, as well as your overall health. 

In many cases, a simple procedure called lifting is all that’s needed to resolve an ingrown toenail. The process involves gently lifting the affected nail and placing a small piece of cotton or other material beneath to maintain separation as the nail grows. 

Surgical removal is also an option, and it may be a good fit when less invasive treatments fail to deliver the intended results. Your surgeon can remove some or all of the affected toenail to ensure that no nail tissue extends into the surrounding soft tissues. 

Another option is Onyfix®. This painless nail correction system works by placing a hardened composite material to the outside of your toenail. Once this material is cured by ultraviolet (UV) light, it holds your nail in a position that facilitates a normal growth direction. There is no pain and no risk of harm associated with the Onyfix treatment.  

When you’re ready to explore these treatment options and move beyond painful ingrown toenails, reach out to Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center. Book your appointment online or by phone.