Ingrown Toenail Treatments for Painful Toes

What You Need To Know

Understanding ingrown toenails, why they happen, and when to see a podiatrist.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of your toenail grows downward into the adjacent skin, digging painfully into the soft flesh. This common condition can affect any toe, but the big toe is most often affected.

When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved downward or flared out and grows into the skin, usually at the sides of the nail. This irritates the skin, which may create pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. Ingrown toenails are the most common nail problems, often leading to pain, redness, and swelling.

If an ingrown toenail breaks the skin and allows bacteria to enter, an infection may develop. Infected ingrown toenails may appear red, swollen, and warm to the touch. They may also be painful and ooze foul-smelling fluid (pus).

Causes of ingrown toenails include heredity, trauma such as stubbing your toe, improper trimming (cutting your nails too short is the most common cause), tight or narrow footwear, and nail conditions like fungal infections. Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but your risk of complications is higher if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, or nerve damage in the leg or foot.

If you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or another condition that causes poor circulation, you should seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Call us if you suspect the ingrown toenail is infected so we can evaluate your foot and start the right treatment.

Treatment, Prevention, and Home Care

First, we carefully evaluate your foot and review your medical history. After examining the toe, the doctor will select the treatment best suited for you. You may receive an individualized treatment plan that includes a prescription for topical or oral medication, and your provider may place a splint under the nail to help it grow away from the skin to relieve discomfort. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may also be prescribed.

Sometimes a minor surgical procedure, often performed in the office, will ease the pain and remove the offending nail. After an injection with a local anesthetic, the doctor removes part of the nail’s side border. If ingrown toenails are a chronic problem, your provider may perform a procedure to partially or completely remove the nail using a chemical, laser, or other methods.

Following the procedure, a simple bandage will be applied. Most people experience very little pain afterward and may resume normal activity the next day or two. If your doctor has prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication, even if your symptoms have improved.

Many cases can be prevented with proper trimming. Cut toenails in a fairly straight line, and try not to cut them too short. Avoid shoes that are too small or too narrow in the toe area. Do not cut a notch in the nail, do not place cotton under the nail, and avoid over-the-counter topical medications, which may mask pain without correcting the problem. If symptoms persist, schedule a visit so we can resolve the issue properly.