Ingrown Toenail Specialist

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when your nail grows into the skin surrounding the nailbed instead of away from your toe. As the nail grows further into your skin, it causes redness, swelling, and irritation.

Most ingrown toenails heal on their own, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, contact South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, immediately.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Inflamed skin
• Swelling

If your nail gets infected, you might also notice that it oozes blood or pus.

When should I see a foot and ankle surgeon about an ingrown toenail?

Make an appointment at South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, with Dr. Fish and the team if you experience an ingrown toenail and it looks infected. That’s especially true if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD) or another health problem affecting circulation to your feet. 

Who is at risk of experiencing an ingrown toenail?

There are several factors that may increase your risk of an ingrown toenail, including:

• Wearing shoes that press your toes together
• Cutting your nails too short
• Cutting your toenails at an angle
• Having abnormally curved nails
• A history of nail infections

You’re also more likely to experience an ingrown toenail if you play sports that involve lots of running or kicking, like soccer, basketball, or football.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, Dr. Fish and the team diagnose ingrown toenails during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you noticed the ingrown nail and if you’ve tried any at-home treatments. Then, they carefully examine your nail, looking for redness, swelling, or oozing pus.

Your provider also orders X-rays or a CT scan to determine how far the nail grows into your skin and see if there’s an infection.

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Ingrown toenail treatment depends on several factors, including your age, if it’s infected, and the nail’s effect on your mobility. Dr. Fish and the team might recommend:

• Lifting the nail
• Taping the nail
• Placing a gutter splint under the nail
• Partially removing the nail

Dr. Fish and the team always use minimally invasive treatments first. If your ingrown toenail worsens, they might recommend a minor surgical procedure to remove the nail and tissue altogether.

To learn more about the treatment options for an ingrown toenail, make an appointment at South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, by calling the nearest office or booking online.