Ingrown Toenail Specialist

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corners or sides of the toenail dig painfully into the skin. They are usually caused by improper nail trimming but can also be caused by shoe pressure, injury, fungal infection, heredity, and poor foot structure.

Women are more likely to have ingrown toenails than men. The problem can be prevented if you trim your toenails straight across, select proper shoe styles and sizes, and respond to foot pain in a timely manner.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails are quite common. They occur when your toenail curves into the skin that surrounds your nail bed.

As your nail continues to grow, the skin starts to swell and become painful. If it’s left untreated, an infection can develop, causing the pain to increase, which can lead to additional problems.

Ingrown toenails are especially dangerous if you have a chronic condition like diabetes that affects your circulation.

If you think you have an ingrown toenail, see your podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail vary depending on the individual condition. Typically, signs of an ingrown toenail are obvious.

Symptoms include:

• Redness around your toenail
• Swelling around the area
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Infection

The toenail can ooze pus. The pain can also affect your entire foot, depending on the severity of the infection.

If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, see your foot doctor at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists immediately.

How do you treat an ingrown toenail?

When you see signs of an ingrown toenail, you can soak your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes to soften the skin around the nail. This allows you to gently lift the nail out of the skin and put a small piece of cotton under it so it can grow out straight.

If your ingrown toenail needs medical attention, Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists’ treatment for an ingrown toenail is a simple, outpatient procedure.

Your doctor begins by giving you a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once your toe is numb, the toenail that’s growing into your skin is removed.

The procedure doesn't take long, and the healing process begins immediately.

Your foot specialist at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists can help relieve the pain from your ingrown toenail. Call the office or schedule an appointment today by using the online booking tool.