Understanding and Treating Ingrown Toenails: Expert Care from United Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Wiki Article

Ingrown toenails might seem like a small issue, but if left untreated, they can lead to painful infections and complications. At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we understand how frustrating and uncomfortable this condition can be. That’s why we provide expert, gentle, and highly effective care to help you get back on your feet with minimal downtime and long-lasting relief.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the soft flesh next to it. This often results in pain, swelling, redness, and even infection. While any toenail can become ingrown, the big toe is most commonly affected.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Understanding what causes ingrown toenails can help prevent them in the future. Common causes include:

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  Incorrect Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.

  
  


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  Tight Footwear: Shoes that crowd the toes can push the nail into the surrounding skin.

  
  


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  Toe Injuries: Trauma from stubbing or dropping something on the toe can change nail growth patterns.

  
  


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  Genetics: Some people naturally have curved or wide nails that are prone to growing inward.

  
  


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  Poor Foot Hygiene: Moist, sweaty conditions can soften the skin, increasing the risk of ingrown nails.

  
  

Signs and Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, look out for the following symptoms:

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  Tenderness or pain along the nail’s edge

  
  


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  Swelling and redness around the nail

  
  


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  Warmth in the affected area

  
  


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  Pain when pressure is applied, such as from shoes

  
  


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  Pus or fluid drainage (a sign of infection)

  
  

If you notice any of these signs, especially signs of infection, it’s time to consult a specialist.

Treatment Options at United Foot & Ankle Surgeons

We believe in personalized care — there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for ingrown toenails. Your treatment plan is tailored to your individual condition and comfort level.

Conservative Treatments

If the condition is detected early and there’s no significant infection, we may recommend:

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  Warm water soaks to reduce swelling

  
  


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  Topical ointments to prevent or treat infection

  
  


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  Gentle lifting of the nail edge with clean cotton or gauze

  
  


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  Footwear and nail care guidance

  
  

These methods are effective when the nail has not deeply penetrated the skin.

Surgical Procedures

For more severe or recurring cases, we may recommend a minor, in-office procedure:

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  Partial Nail Avulsion: The ingrown portion of the nail is removed under local anesthesia, providing quick relief.

  
  


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  Matrixectomy: If the problem keeps returning, a portion of the nail root (matrix) is removed to prevent future growth in that area.

  
  

These procedures are quick, virtually pain-free, and provide long-term relief.

Why Choose United Foot & Ankle Surgeons?

Patients across Chicagoland trust us for foot care because we combine expert knowledge with a patient-first approach. Led by Dr. T.J. Ahn, a board-certified foot and ankle specialist with extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques, our team provides compassionate and comprehensive care.

Dr. Ahn speaks English, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese, making communication smooth for a diverse range of patients. Our entire team is committed to making your experience stress-free, with a focus on comfort and quick recovery.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Prevention is often the best medicine. Here are some simple steps to help you avoid future problems:

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  Trim toenails straight across – Avoid cutting too short or rounding corners.

  
  


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  Wear comfortable shoes – Give your toes plenty of room to breathe.

  
  


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  Maintain foot hygiene – Keep your feet clean and dry.

  
  


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  Protect your toes – Take care during sports or physical activities that could cause trauma.

  
  

If you're prone to ingrown toenails, our specialists can provide personalized prevention strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have an ingrown toenail but no infection yet?

Try soaking your foot in warm water for 15–20 minutes a few times a day and gently lift the nail with clean cotton. Still, it’s a good idea to visit a podiatrist to prevent worsening symptoms.

Is it safe to remove an ingrown nail at home?

No. Attempting to dig out an ingrown toenail at home can cause infection and further damage. Let trained professionals handle it in a sterile, safe environment.

How long does it take to heal after surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the procedure. Minor removals may feel better the same day, with full healing in 1–2 weeks. A matrixectomy may take a bit longer but often provides permanent results.

Can ingrown toenails come back?

Yes, especially if the underlying cause (like tight shoes or curved nails) isn’t addressed. For recurring cases, we may recommend a matrixectomy for long-term prevention.

Take the Next Step Toward Healthy Feet

At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we specialize in fast, gentle, and lasting solutions for ingrown toenails. Whether it’s your first experience or a recurring issue, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Don’t let foot pain slow you down. Call us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward pain-free living.