Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Treatment & Expert Care

Wiki Article

Ingrown toenails may seem like a minor inconvenience, but when left untreated, they can become painful and lead to infection. At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we know how uncomfortable this condition can be — and we’re here to provide fast, gentle, and lasting relief so you can get back on your feet.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge orcorner of your nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and even infection. While it can affect any toe, it most often happens to the big toe.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Understanding the cause is key to preventing future occurrences. Common causes include:

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  Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to grow inward.

  
  


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  Tight Footwear: Shoes that press your toes together can push nails into the skin.

  
  


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  Toe Injuries: Trauma like stubbing your toe can change how the nail grows.

  
  


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  Genetics: Some people are born with naturally curved or wide nails.

  
  


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  Poor Hygiene: Moist, sweaty feet can lead to skin irritation and nail problems.

  
  

Symptoms to Watch For

An ingrown toenail often starts with mild discomfort but can worsen if not treated. Look for these warning signs:

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  Pain or tenderness along the nail edge

  
  


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  Swelling or redness around the toe

  
  


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  Warmth in the affected area

  
  


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  Pain when pressure is applied (e.g., from shoes)

  
  


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  Pus or fluid discharge, indicating infection

  
  

If you notice these symptoms, especially signs of infection, it’s important to seek professional care.

How We Treat Ingrown Toenails

At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we offer customized treatment plans based on the severity of your condition.

Non-Surgical (Conservative) Options

If caught early and there’s no significant infection, conservative treatments may be effective:

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  Soaking the foot in warm water to reduce inflammation

  
  


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  Applying topical ointments to fight infection

  
  


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  Gently lifting the nail edge using clean cotton or gauze

  
  


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  Providing proper nail care and footwear guidance

  
  

These methods are simple and effective for mild cases.

Surgical Solutions for Persistent or Severe Cases

If the toenail is deeply embedded or keeps recurring, we may recommend a minor surgical procedure:

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  Partial Nail Avulsion: The ingrown section of the nail is removed under local anesthesia — quick, safe, and effective.

  
  


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  Matrixectomy: For chronic issues, part of the nail root is removed to stop that portion of the nail from regrowing.

  
  

These in-office procedures are typically painless and provide permanent relief.

Why Patients Choose Us

At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, patient comfort and expert care go hand in hand. Our clinic is led by Dr. T.J. Ahn, a board-certified foot and ankle specialist known for his skill in minimally invasive treatments. He speaks English, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese, making communication easy for patients from all backgrounds.

Our entire team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, stress-free care in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails

Preventive care is just as important as treatment. Follow these tips to reduce your risk:

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  Trim nails straight across – Avoid rounding the edges or cutting them too short.

  
  


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  Choose well-fitting shoes – Your toes should have enough room to move.

  
  


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  Maintain proper foot hygiene – Keep your feet clean and dry.

  
  


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  Protect your toes – Wear protective footwear during sports or physical activity.

  
  

If you’re prone to ingrown nails, we can offer customized advice to help keep your feet healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?

If there’s no infection, you can try soaking your foot and gently lifting the nail with sterile cotton. However, visiting a specialist is the safest way to prevent complications.

Is it safe to remove an ingrown nail at home?

No. Home removal can lead to infection or permanent nail damage. Professional care is quicker, safer, and more effective.

How long is recovery after surgery?

For a partial nail removal, most patients feel better the same day, with complete healing in 1–2 weeks. Procedures involving the nail root may take longer, but they often provide a permanent fix.

Do ingrown toenails come back?

They can — especially if the underlying issue isn’t addressed. That’s why we focus on both treatment and long-term prevention, including procedures like matrixectomy for recurring cases.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we’re proud to offer expert care, modern techniques, and a personal approach to treatment. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time ingrown toenail or a recurring problem, we’re here to help.

Don’t let foot pain slow you down. Call us today to schedule your consultation and experience lasting relief.