Ferndale Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into and penetrates the underlying skin at the end of or side of the toe. While an ingrown toenail may not initially cause symptoms as it continues digging into the skin, it can produce increasing irritation, inflammation, redness and pain. An ingrown toenail can become so uncomfortable that wearing any shoes, other than ones with a wide, open toe may be impossible. With an ingrown toenail, extra skin, as well as other tissue, can begin to grow around the impinging portion of the nail. Furthermore, once the ingrown toenail penetrates the skin, an infection may develop with pus and worsening symptoms.

Common causes of ingrown toenails may include:

  • Over-trimming the Toenails
  • Heredity
  • Trauma
  • Improper Footwear
  • Nail Disorders
  • Faulty Foot Mechanics

If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, the safest approach is to see your podiatrist for professional guidance, diagnosis, and care. This advice holds true for everyone and is especially important if an infection is present, if you suffer from diabetes, have nerve damage in your feet, suffer from poor circulation, or have a compromised immune system.

The good news is that fixing most ingrown toenails and relieving the associated symptoms can be accomplished with a minor in-office procedure. The extent of the procedure depends upon the severity of the case, whether or not your ingrown toenail is a chronic problem, and if there are other contributing medical factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ingrown toenail?

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An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toenail.

What causes ingrown toenails?

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Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails, including:

  • Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toenails
  • Improper toenail trimming (cutting too short or rounding the edges)
  • Injury or trauma to the toenail
  • Genetic predisposition to curved nails
  • Poor foot hygiene and excessive sweating

How do I know if I have an ingrown toenail?

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Common symptoms include:

  • Tenderness or pain along the side of the toenail
  • Redness and swelling near the affected area
  • Pus or drainage (a sign of infection)
  • Difficulty walking due to discomfort

When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?

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You should seek professional care if you experience:

  • Severe pain or signs of infection (such as pus, increased redness, or warmth)
  • Recurrent ingrown toenails
  • An underlying condition such as diabetes, which increases the risk of complications
  • No improvement with home treatments

What treatments are available for ingrown toenails?

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At Scott T. Grodman, DPM, PC, we offer several treatment options, depending on the severity of your condition. These include:

  • Conservative care – Trimming the nail and treating the surrounding tissue
  • Partial nail removal (nail avulsion) – Removing a portion of the nail to relieve pressure and prevent regrowth into the skin
  • Permanent nail removal (matrixectomy) – Removing part or all of the nail root to prevent recurrence in chronic cases

Is ingrown toenail treatment painful?

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Treatment is generally well-tolerated, as we use local anesthesia to numb the affected area. Most patients feel relief almost immediately after the procedure.

How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

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To reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails:

  • Trim nails straight across and avoid rounding the edges
  • Wear properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box
  • Keep feet clean and dry to prevent infection
  • Avoid cutting nails too short

Do you treat ingrown toenails in children?

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Yes! Ingrown toenails can affect people of all ages, including children. We provide gentle and effective treatment options for young patients to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.

Can I walk after an ingrown toenail procedure?

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Yes, most patients can walk immediately after treatment. However, we recommend wearing loose-fitting shoes and avoiding strenuous activities for a few days to promote healing.

How can I schedule an appointment?

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If you’re experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail, we’re here to help. Contact Scott T. Grodman, DPM, PC in Taylor, MI, today by visiting podiatristintaylor-mi.com or calling our office at (313) 295-1620 to schedule your consultation.

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