
Surgical treatment for ingrown toenails focuses on relieving pain, reducing infection, and preventing the nail from growing into the skin again. When the side of a toenail digs into the skin, it can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness. If left untreated, the area can become infected and make walking uncomfortable. For more severe or recurring cases, a podiatrist can perform one of several surgical procedures in which a small part of the toenail or the skin around it is carefully removed to stop the edge of the nail from digging into the toe. This helps the nail grow straight and prevents it from cutting into the skin again. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and healing usually occurs within a few weeks. A podiatrist can determine which approach will provide lasting relief and promote healthy nail growth. If you have a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.








