An ingrown toenail can turn a simple step into a sharp reminder that something is not right. If the edge or corner of your nail is digging into the skin, you may see redness, swelling, drainage, or feel throbbing pain that makes shoes unbearable. The good news is that you do not have to wait weeks to feel better. At Legacy Foot & Ankle, our podiatric physicians offer same-week appointments and often same-day procedures to relieve pain quickly and prevent the problem from returning.
Home care may help with a very mild, first-time ingrown toenail — warm water soaks, open-toe shoes, and gentle cleaning.
Seek a podiatrist if you notice:
Moderate to severe pain, swelling, or pus
Redness that spreads or warmth in the toe
Symptoms lasting more than a few days
Diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or immune conditions
Recurrent or severely curved/thick nails
Prompt treatment reduces infection risk and helps you get back to normal faster. Delaying care can lead to cellulitis, drainage, and slow-healing wounds in high-risk patients.
A podiatrist is the best doctor to see for an ingrown toenail. They diagnose the cause, treat infections, and perform procedures that address the nail root.
Urgent care can help with pain or antibiotics but typically cannot perform a matrixectomy — the definitive treatment to prevent recurrences.
If you are in Michigan, you can schedule with:
Podiatrist Rochester Hills MI
Foot and Ankle Specialists Bay City
for prompt, expert care.
Cutting the nail yourself or having a salon dig into the corner can push bacteria deeper and worsen the problem.
Risks include:
Non-sterile tools
Skin injury
Higher infection risk
Scarring
No ability to numb the toe or treat the nail root
If the nail is painful, red, draining, or repeatedly ingrown, medical care is the safest option.
Most moderate or recurrent ingrown toenails are treated with a brief, sterile in-office procedure.
Your podiatrist confirms the diagnosis, reviews circulation and nerve status, and discusses treatment options.
Yes — doctors numb your toe before removing an ingrown toenail. A local anesthetic ensures you feel pressure but no pain.
The ingrown edge is lifted and a narrow strip is removed to create space and relieve pressure.
To prevent recurrence, the nail root at that edge is treated chemically or mechanically.
Can a podiatrist permanently remove an ingrown toenail?
Yes — matrixectomy often provides a permanent fix for that margin.
A sterile dressing is applied, and you are given simple care instructions.
The full visit is usually under an hour, and the procedure takes only minutes once numb.
You should not feel sharp pain after the anesthetic takes effect.
Mild soreness is common once numbness wears off. Elevation and OTC pain relief usually help.
Most people return to normal activities within 24–48 hours, wearing roomy shoes.
1–2 weeks for the edge to close
Light drainage is normal for a few days after matrixectomy
Normal bathing resumes after the first dressing change (per instructions)
Call your podiatrist promptly if you notice:
Spreading redness
Increasing pain
Yellow/green drainage or odor
Fever or chills
Skin that becomes numb, dark, or cool
These may indicate infection or circulatory issues.
Many plans cover medically necessary evaluation and procedures, including matrixectomy. Coverage varies.
Costs depend on your insurance, deductible, and services needed (imaging, cultures, prescriptions).
At Legacy Foot & Ankle, we offer free insurance verification so you know your expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
Your safety is our priority. We use:
Strict sterile technique
Medical-grade instruments
Pre-procedure skin preparation
Circulation and nerve assessments
Board-certified podiatric physicians
Medical-grade dressings and footwear when needed
You should not wait weeks to walk comfortably again. We offer same-week appointments and often same-day procedures at our:
Rochester Hills
Bay City
Lapeer
Caro
Prefer virtual first? We also provide telehealth podiatrists in Rochester Hills for initial screening and scheduling.
If you are closer to Caro, our ingrown toenail specialists in Caro offer the same high-level care close to home.
Where do I go to get an ingrown toenail removed?
A podiatrist.
What is the best doctor to see?
A podiatrist — they offer definitive treatment.
Will urgent care fix it?
Urgent care may help with antibiotics, but definitive treatment is done by a podiatrist.
Do doctors numb your toe?
Yes. A local anesthetic is standard.
What happens if it is untreated?
Pain, infection, cellulitis, and in high-risk patients, slow-healing wounds.
You do not have to live with toenail pain. If you notice redness, swelling, or drainage — or if the problem keeps returning — schedule a prompt visit.
Legacy Foot & Ankle provides:
Same-week appointments
Same-day procedures when appropriate
Sterile in-office treatment
Clear guidance on costs and coverage
Call your nearest location or book online today to get fast relief and prevent future ingrown toenails.
