Ingrown Toenail Specialist
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Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC
Podiatrist Foot & Ankle Surgeons & Ankle and Foot Surgeons located in Houston, TX
Tapering the corners of your toenail during trimming sets you up for an ingrown toenail, a common and painful foot problem. Randall L. Beckman, DPM, FACFAS, and the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC in Houston, Texas, treat ingrown toenails in patients of all ages. If you have an ingrown toenail that doesn’t improve with home care, call the office today.
Ingrown Toenail Q&A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This often leads to pain, redness, and swelling. This condition can affect any toe, but it’s most common in the big toe.
Though not usually a dangerous condition, untreated ingrown toenails can become infected. Complications may be especially severe for people with diabetes, so if you have diabetes and notice an ingrown toenail, call Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC right away. Don’t attempt to treat it yourself.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
The first signs of an ingrown toenail usually include swelling and tenderness on one or both sides of the toenail. If an infection develops, the toe may become red and extremely painful. You may also notice pus oozing from the side of the nail.
Mild ingrown toenails typically get better with home treatments like soaking the foot in warm water. If your condition worsens, or if you notice signs of an infection, call Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC.
What causes ingrown toenails?
The most common cause of ingrown toenails is an improper nail trimming technique. It’s important to trim your toenails straight across. Avoid rounding the corners or trimming the nails too short.
Other causes of ingrown toenails include trauma — such as stubbing your toe — and having naturally large or curved toenails.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
If you seek treatment for an ingrown toenail early on, before infection sets in, the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC may be able to treat it without surgery.
Nonsurgical treatment for an ingrown toenail includes:
- Soaking the foot in warm water 3-4 times a day
- Keeping the foot dry whenever you’re not soaking it
- Wearing comfortable shoes or sandals to avoid putting pressure on the toe
- Taking medications to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
If your nail is infected, the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC may prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. Depending on the severity of your condition, they may surgically remove all or part of the nail. A new toenail regrows in about 3-4 months.
Don’t wait to seek treatment for an ingrown toenail — call Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC, today.
