Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail is a common but painful condition that increases your risk of infection. At Capital Foot & Ankle, the experienced podiatry specialists offer diagnostic exams and personalized treatment plans to deal with ingrown toenails. The team provides in-office procedures to remove part or all of your nail, so you can find relief from the pain and swelling. They also make resources available to prevent ingrown nails from recurring. Call the Folsom, Sacramento, or Roseville, California, office today to schedule an ingrown toenail consultation, or book your appointment online.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail develops when the corner of your toenail grows into the nearby skin. This condition can be painful and, when left untreated, can lead to an infection.

At Capital Foot & Ankle, the experienced podiatrists offer diagnostic evaluation and customized treatment of ingrown toenails. They also provide the resources to improve your nail hygiene to prevent ingrown toenails from happening again.

When should I seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Capital Foot & Ankle if you notice the toenail growing into your skin but can’t cut it safely on your own.

You should also seek medical attention if you experience infection symptoms like:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Discharge of pus or blood

It’s necessary to get prompt medical care if you have diabetes and develop an ingrown toenail. Because diabetes often reduces the blood flow to your feet and damages your nerves, an untreated ingrown nail can cause slow-healing foot ulcers and other severe health complications.

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Your treatment plan for an ingrown toenail will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how far the nail has grown into the skin.

In the early stages of ingrown toenails, the Capital Foot & Ankle specialists often use a piece of cotton to lift the edge of your nail so that it grows away from the skin.

You might also need an in-office procedure to remove part or all of your nail. For that procedure, the team numbs your toe to prevent discomfort while they trim away the nail and tissue from your nail bed. This can also prevent recurrent ingrown toenails.

Following your treatment, you might need to take antibiotics to prevent infection. The team can also recommend steps you can take to keep your nails healthy. Soak your nails a few minutes before trimming them to keep them soft. And cut your nails straight across and file down sharp edges.

Call the Capital Foot & Ankle office nearest you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for an ingrown toenail, or book your appointment online.