Up to 5% of all Americans have an ingrown toenail at any given time. At Redlands Podiatry Group PC in Redlands, California, leading local podiatrist Mathew Morris, DPM, FACFAS, and the team of foot and ankle experts can diagnose and treat ingrown toenails quickly to restore the health of your toes. If your toe is swollen, red, and painful, you can get relief in minutes. Call the office to schedule an appointment today.
Ingrown toenails grow into the skin on one side of the nail. About 70% of all ingrown toenails affect the big toe. Ingrown toenails cause local irritation and skin redness, often with swelling and pain.
The nail puncture creates an entry point for germs, so many ingrown toenails become infected. An infected ingrown toenail can cause pus drainage at the corner of the toe, which may have a foul odor.
Many different issues could lead to an ingrown toenail, with some of the most common including:
People with nerve damage and circulatory problems are more likely to have ingrown toenails.
Individuals who sweat a lot are also more likely to experience ingrown toenails because excessive sweat softens skin and makes you more vulnerable to toenail puncture.
Mildly ingrown toenails may improve with soaking the toe in warm water. But if you have a very red, swollen, irritated, or painful toenail, it’s important to visit Redlands Podiatry Group PC for expert care.
The team usually removes the corner of the nail in the office, offering instant pain relief. You may also need topical or oral antibiotics if you have an infection.
If you have a chronic ingrown toenail, the team can remove a whole sliver of the nail. They then treat the nail’s growth center (matrix) with a special chemical or other means to permanently destroy those cells.
After treatment, that particular small section of your nail can’t grow back. You won’t see much difference in your nail’s appearance, but it may appear just slightly more narrow.
You can help to prevent ingrown toenails by trimming your nails properly: cut them just beyond the ends of your toes, in a straight line. Also, wear shoes with plenty of room for your toes.
If you have diabetes, schedule diabetic foot care appointments a couple of times a year to monitor foot ulcers, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and other issues.
If you have an irritating ingrown toenail, Redlands Podiatry Group PC is here for you. Call the office to schedule an appointment today to learn more.