Ingrown toenails are unattractive and potentially uncomfortable foot ailments that primarily affect the big toenail. They occur when the side of the nail essentially grows into the skin of the toe. As a result, the affected area can swell, turn red, and become inflamed. There are many cases of ingrown toenails that, if caught early enough, can be treated and taken care of at home. Other cases can be addressed by a podiatrist with antibiotics or a splint and will not require surgery. However, if a case is severe enough and the ingrown toenail has become infected, then a surgery might be necessary to remedy the situation. There are a number of surgical procedures a doctor may perform. First, a doctor may perform a wedge resection (also known as a partial nail avulsion), in which a portion of the toenail causing the problem is removed. A doctor may also perform a toenail removal (or a complete nail plate avulsion) where the entire affected nail is removed. The intention behind this procedure is that the new nail will grow back correctly in 18 months. Of course, each patient’s potential to benefit from surgery for an ingrown toenail is highly individualized. As a standard rule of thumb, you can always consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment plan for your ingrown toenail. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.