An ingrown toenail is a common but painful situation that increases your risk of infection. At Family Foot & Ankle Center in Upland, California, the board-certified foot and ankle surgeons specialize in ingrown toenail treatment. They can use several methods to stop the nail from growing further into your skin and causing complications. Call Family Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule ingrown toenail treatment, or book your appointment online.

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Should I see a foot doctor if I have an ingrown toenail?

Most ingrown toenails aren’t serious and heal on their own. But if you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or another medical condition that affects blood flow to your feet, make an appointment at Family Foot & Ankle Center. Without treatment, ingrown toenails increase the risk of infection and gangrene (tissue death).

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenail symptoms include:

  • Blood or pus coming out of your toe
  • Swelling
  • Redness or skin discoloration
  • Pain
  • Your toe feeling warm or hot

Ingrown toenails tend to affect people who wear shoes that crowd the toes (like high heels or cowboy boots).

How does a foot and ankle surgeon diagnose an ingrown toenail?

Your Family Foot & Ankle Center provider asks about your symptoms, including when you noticed the ingrown nail and if the pain extends into your forefoot or other toes. They carefully examine your toe, checking for redness and swelling, and have you wiggle it back and forth.

If your skin is growing over your nail and is painful to touch, your provider confirms the diagnosis. They could order X-rays to check for infection and see how far the nail grows into your skin.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

The Family Foot & Ankle Center team treats ingrown toenails using a minimally invasive approach that encourages the body’s healing process. They could suggest:

  • Soaking your foot in a warm Epsom salts bath to reduce swelling
  • Gently lifting the nail with dental floss
  • Applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
  • Placing a gutter splint beneath the nail so it grows out of your skin
  • Partially removing the nail to promote healing

Your provider might recommend completely removing the nail if you often experience ingrown nails on the same toe.

What can I do to reduce my risk of an ingrown toenail?

Good foot hygiene is the best way to lower your risk of an ingrown toenail. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed, and wear shoes with plenty of toe room. If you play sports that involve running and kicking, inspect your feet after games and contact the Family Foot & Ankle Center if you notice an ingrown nail.

Call Family Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule ingrown toenail treatment, or book your visit online.