Ingrown Toenails

Something as small as a toenail can create big problems and a bigger impact on your day.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This often results in pain, swelling and even infection. Common causes include wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming or trauma to the toe.

How Do You Get an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin along the edge of the toe. This can cause tenderness, redness, swelling, and irritation as the body responds to the nail pressing against the skin.

Without treatment, the affected area can become infected, leading to drainage, pus, and increased discomfort. You can reduce your risk by wearing shoes with adequate toe room, avoiding toe injuries, trimming toenails straight across, and practicing good foot hygiene to keep the feet clean and dry.

What are Ingrown Toenail Symptoms?

An ingrown toenail can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Pain or tenderness along the side of the toenail
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Skin that feels firm, thickened, or irritated near the nail edge
• Increased pain when wearing shoes, walking, or putting pressure on the toe
• Drainage, pus, or other signs of infection
• Warmth or heightened sensitivity around the affected area

As the condition worsens, everyday activities such as walking, exercising, or wearing closed-toe shoes may become increasingly uncomfortable.

How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated?

Treatment includes soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salt 3–4 times daily, wearing comfortable shoes with adequate room for toes and taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief if needed. Dress the area with Neosporin and a bandaid.

For more severe or recurrent ingrown toenails in office, surgical options would include partial or total nail removal to remove the problematic nail borders to help resolve the pain and infection.

Treat Ingrown Toenails at Fox Valley Orthopedics

Are you seeking specialized care for diabetic foot complications in Illinois? At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we are committed to providing a supportive environment where patients feel safe and confident in their treatment journey. Through comprehensive management and personalized care plans, we can help you manage pain, prevent further complications, and improve your overall quality of life.

Call today to make your appointment: (855) FVORTHO | (855) 386-7846.