Ingrown Toenails
If you’ve ever struggled with the pain and irritation of an ingrown toenail, you know how quickly it can interfere with your day-to-day comfort.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing tenderness, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Although this condition most often affects the big toe, it can develop on any toe and, if left untreated, may lead to infection or more serious complications.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Wearing tight or narrow shoes that crowd your toes
- Toe injuries, such as stubbing your toe or repeated pressure from footwear
- Improper nail trimming, especially cutting nails too short or rounding the corners
- Genetic factors that cause naturally curved or thick nails
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation, which increase the risk of infection and slow healing
How To Treat Ingrown Toenails
If you notice redness, swelling, or tenderness along your nail bed, wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes and soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt may provide temporary relief. However, these home remedies are not a substitute for professional treatment. Avoid picking at the nail or letting a salon attempt to remove it, as this can lead to infection or worsen the condition.
At Triad Foot & Ankle Center, our podiatrists provide safe, effective relief from ingrown toenails through an in-office procedure called a nail avulsion. During this procedure, your toe is gently numbed, and the ingrown portion of the nail is carefully removed. For patients who experience chronic ingrown toenails, your doctor may recommend a permanent nail avulsion, where a mild chemical is applied to prevent the nail from growing back into the skin.
Don’t live with pain or risk infection—our experienced podiatrists in Greensboro, Burlington, Asheboro, and Kernersville are here to help you find lasting relief.
Schedule your appointment today with Triad Foot & Ankle Center to restore comfort and keep your feet healthy.
