When you have an ingrown toenail, every step feels excruciating. But you don't have to live with this pain. The Phoenix area ingrown toenail specialists at Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers provide comprehensive care, from conservative measures to minimally invasive surgical treatment, to get you back on your feet fast. Learn about your treatment options and how to prevent ingrown toenails from recurring.
Understanding Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail, causing pain, redness, and swelling. There are three main types of ingrown toenails, identified by their location on the toe:
- Lateral ingrown toenail. This is the most common type, where the side of the nail edge grows into the skin at the sides of the toe. It can affect any toe, but is most frequent in the big toe and pinky toe.
- Distal ingrown toenail. This type occurs when the nail edge grows or curls into the skin at the end of the toe, where the top of the nail meets the skin. It often affects the big toe.
- Proximal ingrown toenail. This rare type happens when the nail grows into the skin at the toe's base near the cuticle. It occurs when new toenail growth pushes the old nail upwards, making it thick and embedded.
Ingrown toenails can range from mild to severe. In the early stages, you may only notice some redness and discomfort. The toe may become increasingly painful, swollen, and inflamed as the condition progresses. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to an infection, characterized by pus drainage, increased pain, and foul odor.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Several factors can lead to painful ingrown toenails:
- Improper nail trimming technique. One of the most common causes of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, even with the tips of your toes.
- Ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too tight in the toe box can put pressure on your nails, forcing them to grow into the skin. High heels and pointed-toe styles are often to blame. Children and teens may develop ingrown toenails when they outgrow their shoes.
- Toe injuries. Stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or activities that put repeated pressure on your toes (like soccer or ballet) can all contribute to ingrown toenails. The trauma may cause the nail to grow improperly.
- Heredity. Some people naturally have more curved nails that are prone to becoming ingrown. If one or both of your parents dealt with ingrown toenails, you may be more likely to develop them.
Signs You May Need Ingrown Toenail Treatment
In the earliest stages, you may be able to manage an ingrown toenail at home by soaking your foot in warm water, carefully lifting the nail edge, and applying antibiotic ointment. However, it's time to seek professional treatment if you notice:
- Persistent pain and tenderness
- Skin that's hard, swollen, or red near the nail
- Bleeding or pus drainage
- Foul odor coming from the toe
You should also visit our Phoenix area podiatry office if you frequently get ingrown toenails or have diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation that inhibits healing.
Our Comprehensive Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our skilled podiatrists offer a full range of care for ingrown toenails, including:
- Lifting the nail. If your ingrown toenail is in the early stages, we may be able to carefully lift the edge of the nail and place cotton, dental floss or a splint under it to separate it from the skin. This allows the nail to grow above the skin edge as it heals.
- Partially removing the nail. For a more severe ingrown toenail, we numb your toe and remove the ingrown part of the nail. You can return home the same day, and the wound usually heals within two to four weeks.
- Removing the nail and tissue. If you have a severely infected ingrown toenail or the problem keeps returning, your podiatrist may recommend removing a portion of the nail along with the underlying nail bed. This prevents the ingrown part of the nail from regrowing.
We perform ingrown toenail removal on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. The minor surgical procedure typically takes less than one hour, and you can return to normal activities the next day.
Prevent Future Foot Pain With These Ingrown Toenail Tips
While our Phoenix area podiatrists can treat your current ingrown toenail, you'll want to take steps to stop the problem from recurring. To help prevent future ingrown toenails:
- Trim your toenails properly. Cut straight across without curving the edges down.
- Avoid shoes that crowd your toes. Choose footwear with a wide toe box and a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Protect your feet. Wear sturdy shoes if your work puts you at risk for foot injuries.
- Check your feet daily. If you have diabetes, nerve damage, or circulation problems, a daily check will help you spot ingrown toenails early.
Following these tips reduces your risk, but some people are prone to ingrown toenails despite their actions. If yours keep coming back, ask your podiatrist about permanent removal of the problematic portion of the nail.