Ingrown Toenails

If you have throbbing toe pain and start noticing redness or inflammation on the side of your toe, you could have an ingrown toenail. Since ingrown toenails can easily get infected, make sure you make an appointment to see the board-certified podiatrists at Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia. The team offers ingrown toenail treatments and surgeries right in the state-of-the-art office. Schedule your ingrown toenail evaluation online or over the phone.

Why do I get ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocryptosis, generally form because you cut your toenails too short, particularly on the sides. As the toenail grows in, it starts digging into your skin, rather than over it. With each passing day, that nail grows deeper and deeper into your skin.

You might also be prone to frequent ingrown toenails because of your toenail shape. If your toenails are just naturally overly curved, for instance, you may get ingrown just because of the way your nail grows. Other times, ingrown toenails occur because of:

• Regularly wearing tight shoes or socks
• Toenail injury
• Fungal or bacterial infection
  

If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become incredibly sore and severely infected.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are known for being painful. In many cases, it’s common to be unaware that you have an ingrown until you start feeling a stabbing or throbbing pain in your toe. It can feel very tender and sore while walking, standing, or putting on shoes.

Not only can you feel discomfort from ingrown toenails, but they generally cause inflammation that you can see, too. Watch for redness, pus, or swelling around your nail. Usually, ingrowns develop on your big toe, although any of your toenails can certainly become ingrown.

What is the treatment for an ingrown toenail?

Treating an ingrown toenail depends on the severity of your discomfort and whether you have an underlying infection. You may only need to have your provider thoroughly clean it and place a small splint underneath to help the nail grow over your skin. If your ingrown nail has severely penetrated your skin, though, the team could recommend a minor in-office surgical procedure.

Ingrown toenail surgery involves cutting and removing your nail border, so the affected tissue can heal. This procedure, known as a matrixectomy or partial nail removal, is also beneficial because it can prevent future ingrown toenails by stopping the growth of the affected part of your nail. In severe cases, your provider could suggest removing the entire nail.

If you have an ingrown toenail, you can get treatment right away at Capital Podiatry Associates. Book your evaluation online, or call the office if you need a same-day appointment.