What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
As your toenail grows into your skin with each passing day, you may find that the skin that surrounds your toenail seems red and inflamed. The more and more that nail becomes ingrown, the higher your risk of suffering from:
- Stabbing pains
- Throbbing sensations
- A red and swollen toe
If an infection is present, you may also notice that your ingrown toenail is oozing. Even children commonly suffer from ingrown toenails, so it’s important to examine their feet regularly to check for these symptoms. After all, an ingrown toenail infection can progress and become so severe, it infects underlying bone tissue, which is a serious condition.
Why do I get ingrown toenails?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it may be that you trimmed your toenails too short or rounded out the edges. Ingrown toenails also sometimes occur due to:
- Trauma, like stubbing your toe
- Tearing your toenails
- Snug-fitting shoes
- Nail fungus
Sometimes, ongoing ingrown toenail issues stem from your inherited nail shape. If your nails are overly curved, for example, you have a high risk of suffering from ingrown toenails on a regular basis.
Do I need surgery for an ingrown toenail?
Possibly, but it depends on the severity of your ingrown toenail and whether or not they’re an ongoing issue. When you come into Broadway Foot and Ankle Clinic for your ingrown toenail evaluation, our physicians will examine your toe to determine the best course of treatment.
If your toenail is severely ingrown or infected, our physicians may recommend an in-office surgery. Ingrown toenail surgery begins with thoroughly numbing your toe. We will trim the ingrown part of your toenail, although, for severe cases, they may recommend removing the entire nail.
After treating your ingrown toenail, a topical medication is applied to treat the infection. Rarely will you need a prescription for antibiotics. In many cases, you can return to your regular activities and exercise within a few days.
Book your ingrown toenail evaluation at Broadway Foot and Ankle Clinic right away. Click on the online scheduler to request an appointment or call the office directly to book an ingrown toenail exam.
