Wichita Podiatrist Shares Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

Our Trusted Podiatrist Offers Complete Care for Ingrown Toenails

Having an ingrown toenail can make walking and managing your daily activities a painful experience. The throbbing discomfort makes it difficult to focus on anything else. This common foot problem affects approximately 20% of people who visit a podiatrist. 

Dr. Benjamin Weaver, our experienced podiatrist at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, understands that when you have foot pain, especially from an ingrown toenail, it can interfere with your daily routine and disrupt your life. Here, we discuss what causes of ingrown nails and the ways we can treat them.

What to Know About Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a painful foot condition that occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding soft flesh of the skin. When this happens, it can cause redness, swelling, and pain, and sometimes the nail becomes infected. Most ingrown toenails affect the big toe.

This foot condition is common in teens and young adults because they tend to sweat more; however, older people suffer from ingrown toenails, too. As you age, it may become more difficult to bend down, making it a challenge to take care of your feet and toenails. Also, as you age, your toenails thicken and are harder to cut.  

Many people try to treat their ingrown toenails at home, but it’s important to get it checked out by a skilled podiatrist. Treating an ingrown nail with a foot soak or over-the-counter cream may delay healing and promote infection. 

Factors That May Contribute to an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails can develop for a variety of reasons, including heredity. Genetics play a role in the shape of your nails. For example, if you have a pincer toenail—it’s curled and turned inward rather than flat—you may have a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail because your nails are more likely to dig into your skin. Other causes of ingrown toenails include the following:

• Improper nail trimming. If you cut your toenails too short or round the edges, it can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
• Tight shoes. If you have footwear that squeezes your toes, it can put pressure on your nails, forcing them to grow inward.
• Injury. If you have a trauma to the toe—you may have stubbed it or dropped something heavy on it—it can lead to an ingrown nail.  
• Poor foot hygiene. If you fail to keep your feet clean and dry, you increase your risk of an infection around the nail.  

When to See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail

If you’re having foot pain, it’s always wise to see a podiatrist. But here are symptoms to watch for if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail:

• Constant pain and tenderness near the nail's edge
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Warmth or a feeling of heat in the toe
• Pus or drainage
• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few days or get worse, you should contact Dr. Weaver at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates. When you receive prompt, professional care, it can help prevent infection and complications. 

How We Treat an Ingrown Toenail

While home remedies can sometimes help an ingrown toenail, they are often not enough to resolve the problem, and they’re not substitutes for professional podiatric care. At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, our foot and ankle doctor offers a range of effective treatments for ingrown toenails, including the following:

• Partial nail removal. If your toenail is severely ingrown, your podiatrist may recommend surgically removing part or all of it. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia.
• Matrixectomy. For a chronic ingrown toenail, your foot doctor may recommend a matrixectomy. This procedure involves removing or treating tissue under the nail that produces nail growth to prevent the affected part of the nail from growing back.
• Antibiotics. If your nail is infected, your foot doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to combat bacteria and promote healing.
• Custom orthotics. Sometimes, custom shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure on your toes, reducing the risk of future ingrown nails.

Dr. Weaver will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.