Ingrown Nails

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are nails that have begun to grow into the tender skin at the side of the toe, causing considerable pain, as well as redness and swelling. Without proper professional care, the area can become infected. If the infection spreads to the rest of the toe, the toe may need to be amputated. People with nerve and circulation problems, including people with diabetes, are more likely to develop infections from ingrown toenails.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur most commonly as a result of shoes that are too tight in the toe area, causing increased pressure on the nail region that forces the edge of the nail into the tender, soft skin along the edge of the nail bed. People who have thick toenails and nails that tend to grow in a naturally curved shape are more likely to develop ingrown toenails, and people who routinely trim their toenails into rounded, curved shapes are also more likely to have nails that become ingrown.

Ingrown toenails can be the result of poor posture and/or inadequate foot care; people who don’t keep their feet clean or dry them properly can be prone to experiencing ingrown toenails. It’s possible for injuries to the toenail, such as dropping a heavy item on the toe or stubbing it, to result in the toenail becoming ingrown. The cause of ingrown toenails may also be hereditary.

Athletic people are more prone to ingrown toenails. Certain activities like playing soccer and kickboxing put the feet under additional pressure for an extended length of time. The pressure can result in one or multiple toenails becoming damaged.   

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

In the early stages, the symptoms of an ingrown toenail can include tenderness, swelling, pain and a buildup of fluid in the area surrounding the toe. These symptoms can cause a significant amount of discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to the toe. 

In the later stages, the symptoms of an ingrown toenail can be much worse. Common symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail include redness, pain, pus, bleeding and the growth of additional skin tissue. The toe may also be warm to the touch, with visible red streaks. A toenail infection can eventually lead to the development of open sores and ulcers, as well as a reduction in blood flow. 

Reach out to Global Podiatry for professional diagnosis and treatment if you’re concerned that the condition of your ingrown toenail may be worsening. It’s vital to treat ingrown toenails in the early stages to prevent serious infections from developing. 

Do I need professional treatment for an ingrown toenail?

At-home treatment can be very effective at treating mild cases of ingrown toenails. There are many ways to treat ingrown toenails at home, including:

• Gently separating the skin and nail using a cotton ball 
• Soaking your feet 3-4 times a day in warm salty/soapy water
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication 

If you don’t see a noticeable improvement in the condition of your ingrown toenail within a short period of time – or you notice the signs of an infection or have a circulatory disorder – it’s important to seek professional treatment. It only takes a few minutes to book an appointment for ingrown toenail treatment in Lincolnwood & Wheeling IL through our website and doing so will ensure that you get the expert care you need. 

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Ingrown toenails need to be treated professionally at the first sign of symptoms to prevent infection. Treatment typically involves removing the portion of the nail that has become ingrown, a simple procedure that uses a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort. Once the nail portion or the entire nail has been removed, a special chemical solution is placed along the edge of the nail bed to prevent the nail from regrowing into that area. No stitches are required, and in most cases, patients can resume wearing their normal shoes right after treatment. If an infection is present, it will be treated with antibiotics.

Will ingrown toenails reoccur after treatment?

It can take around three months for a toenail to fully grow back after a portion of the nail has been removed and upwards of a year for the nail to regrow after a full removal. In almost all cases, a partial toenail removal is all that’s required to stop the nail from becoming ingrown. 

However, for people who are genetically predisposed to ingrown toenails, once the toenail has begun to grow back, there’s a risk that the nail will grow inwards towards the skin again. If the condition reoccurs, a podiatrist may suggest further treatment to relieve pain, such as the removal of the entire nail. 

How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

The best ways to prevent ingrown toenails from occurring are to trim toenails straight across and not in a curved shape and to wear shoes that provide plenty of room in the toe area. Being cautious not to rip the edges of the nail when cutting and wearing additional foot protection, like steel-toe boots, when working in dangerous conditions, can also help to prevent a recurrence of ingrown toenails. For some people with naturally thick toenails or especially curved nails, the only way to avoid ingrown nails is to have surgery. If you have any questions about ingrown toenail prevention, the foot care experts at Global Podiatry will be happy to answer them during your initial consultation.

Contact Global Podiatry for Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Chicago & Wheeling IL

The professional team at Global Podiatry are experienced in all aspects of podiatry care, from the treatment of ingrown toenails to the provision of specialist diabetic foot care. We work to keep the feet and toes of Wheeling & Lincolnwood residents in excellent condition, 7 days a week. For more information about the wide range of conditions that we treat at Global Podiatry or to discuss treatment for your ingrown toenail, reach out to us today on 847-392-8080. Alternatively, you can book an appointment at our Chicago or Wheeling, IL clinic. We look forward to seeing you soon!