An ingrown toenail often starts as a mild annoyance. However, left untreated or handled the wrong way, it can quickly turn into a much more painful problem.
Many people try to relieve the pressure themselves by trimming or digging at the nail at home, in the bathroom, and with unsterilized tools and poor lighting. Even though the urge to self-treat is understandable, DIY fixes can worsen the condition and lead to more serious complications.
At Legacy Foot and Ankle Center, we specialize in safe, effective treatments for ingrown toenails — without the pain and risk that come from trying to handle it yourself. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, here’s what you need to know about symptoms and treatment.
An ingrown toenail forms when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. You can get an ingrown nail on any toe, but it most commonly affects the big toe. Ingrown toenail symptoms include:
At first, an ingrown toenail might just feel a little sore or tender. As the nail continues to press into your skin, the discomfort can escalate, and it may even make walking uncomfortable. If an infection develops, your toe can get increasingly red, swollen, and painful.
Ingrown toenails are often caused by tight shoes, improper nail trimming, and naturally curved nails. They can develop quickly, and they’re painful — and it can be tempting to try “bathroom surgery” by digging under the nail or cutting a V-shape into the center to try to relieve pressure.
Unfortunately, these methods are usually ineffective, and trying to treat an ingrown nail at home might only make the problem worse. Using non-sterile instruments or cutting too deeply increases your risk of infection, especially if you already have poor circulation, diabetes, or nerve damage in your feet.
Even if you manage to relieve the pain temporarily and avoid infection, the nail often grows back incorrectly and leads to repeated episodes and ongoing damage to the surrounding tissue. What starts as a minor issue can quickly turn into a more serious issue that may require more extensive treatment later on.
So, what should you do if you have a painful ingrown toenail? The safest and most effective way to treat an ingrown toenail is with professional podiatric care. At Legacy Foot and Ankle Center, we offer in-office procedures that relieve your pain, treat infection if necessary, and help prevent the nail from getting ingrown again.
After examining your toe, we develop a treatment plan that may include gently lifting the nail edge, partial nail removal, or, in some cases, a procedure to permanently remove the problem portion of the nail to stop ingrown nails from recurring.
We do partial and full nail removal procedures under local anesthesia, so they’re quick and comfortable. Most people can walk out of the office with immediate relief, and we also provide guidance on how to care for your feet, trim your nails properly, and choose footwear that won’t aggravate the condition in the future.
An ingrown toenail doesn’t have to be a recurring source of pain or a risky DIY project. Let the experts at Legacy Foot and Ankle Center help you treat your ingrown nail safely and effectively. Contact our offices in Bay City, Caro, Lapeer, and Rochester Hills, Michigan, to schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier nails.
