Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care
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Ingrown Toenail

Podiatry, Foot & Ankle Surgeon and Wound Care Specialist located in Watauga, TX

Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown Toenail services offered in Watauga, TX

Ingrown toenails are often painful, especially when infected, and may require medical treatment to heal properly. At Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care in Watauga, Texas, expert podiatrist Daniel Cairns, DPM, offers comprehensive care for ingrown toenails during same-day and next-day appointments to get you feeling better as soon as possible. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today. 

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

What is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails are common conditions that develop when a corner of your toenail grows into the soft surrounding flesh. It can result in inflammation, pain, and sometimes infection. Ingrown toenails commonly affect the big toe but can develop in any of your toenails. Your risk increases if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause poor blood flow.

At-home care is often effective for treating ingrown toenails, but you may need medical intervention in some cases.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

The hallmark symptoms of ingrown toenails include:

  • Swelling
  • Infection
  • Inflamed skin
  • Pus
  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Warmth
  • Redness

Pus, warmth, and redness can indicate an infection that may spread and lead to severe discomfort if not treated promptly. 

Complications can sometimes turn serious, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in your feet. 

What are the risk factors for ingrown toenails?

The causes and risk factors associated with ingrown toenails include:

  • Having curved toenails
  • Toenail injuries
  • Wearing tight-fitted shoes
  • Cutting your toenails too short
  • Not cutting your nails straight across
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Nail infections 
  • Being a teenager
  • Certain types of physical activity 
  • Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)

You can reduce your risk of ingrown toenails by trimming your nails straight across, keeping them at a moderate length, wearing shoes that fit properly, checking your feet often if you have diabetes, and wearing protective footwear if you have a physically demanding job.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

To diagnose ingrown toenails, Dr. Cairns examines the affected nail and surrounding skin, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms. He also reviews treatment options with you and lets you know what to expect.

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

To treat ingrown toenails, you might try home remedies, like soaking your feet in soapy, warm water several times a day. You can place floss or cotton under the nail to help it grow above the surrounding skin. Choose comfortable, open-toed shoes until your toenail feels better.

Dr. Cairns can also lift your nail by placing a splint under it. Additional medical treatment options include taping the nail, partially removing the affected nail, and removing the entire nail and surrounding tissues. Surgery is a last resort, but it’s sometimes necessary in severe cases. 

Avoid sitting in a hot tub or swimming until Dr. Cairns lets you know, and call his office if you have questions or concerns.

To book a same-day or next-day appointment at Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care for an ingrown toenail, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.