Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can form when the side of a toenail begins to grow into the flesh surrounding the nail. As a result, the affected toe—most commonly the big toe—may become red, swollen, painful, and infected.

There are many reasons why an ingrown toenail may develop - improperly cutting your toenails, having unusually curved toenails, wearing shoes that don’t give your toes an ample amount of space, injuring your toenail, and lastly, hereditary factors.

If you have diabetes, it’s extremely important to remain mindful of ingrown toenail prevention, as minor cuts or simple scrapes can lead to serious complications. You can prevent ingrown toenails by having a podiatrist trim your nails regularly.

Treatment for an ingrown toenail will vary on a case-by-case basis. Most commonly, treatment involves partially removing the nail then destroying the nail root to prevent the affected side of the nail from growing back. For extreme cases, the entire nail could be removed. This is performed in a comfortable office setting utilizing local anesthetic and patients often return to work right afterward.

If you’d like more information about ingrown toenails, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist who can give you a proper diagnosis and provide treatment options for you. Call 519.258.3668 to book your appointment.