Ingrown Toenail

Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center

Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Phoenix, AZ & Maricopa, AZ

An ingrown toenail may not sound like a medical concern, but if it’s painful, looks infected, or keeps recurring, you should have a podiatrist take a look. The team of board-certified podiatrists at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona, can help you get quick pain relief, clear up an infection, and prevent future ingrown toenails. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone.

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

What is an ingrown toenail?

If a toenail is ingrown that means the corner or side has grown into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are most likely to affect your big toe, but are not limited to just the big toe alone. The area is usually at least somewhat painful and tender, and there’s a risk of infection.

Ingrown toenails usually result from improper grooming. It’s important that you trim your toenails straight across. They may become ingrown if you cut them too short or leave rounded or jagged ends. Other factors that contribute to ingrown toenails include:

Poor foot hygiene
Socks or shoes that are too tight
You recently stubbed your toe
Poor posture when walking or standing

if you’re in significant pain, the symptoms are getting worse, or the nail appears to be infected, schedule an appointment as soon as possible at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible if your ingrown toenail becomes infected. Call right away if your symptoms get worse, or if you notice pus draining from the area. Ingrown toenails are also necessary to treat if you have diabetes or a circulatory problem as they’re more prone to serious infections.

If you have an infected ingrown toenail, your podiatrist may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Your podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the infected part of your nail and prevent it from ever becoming ingrown again. This is a simple in-office procedure performed with a local anesthetic, and you can usually return to your usual activities the next day.

How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

Your podiatrist at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center wants your ingrown toenail to be your last. He can help you avoid ingrown toenails in the future. Preventive steps you can take include:

Making sure to trim your toenails straight across and not too short
Always wear shoes and socks that leave enough room for your toes
Cleaning your feet and nails every day
Taking off your socks and shoes so your feet can breathe after you run, play soccer, and do other forms of high-impact exercise

To get treatment for an ingrown toenail, schedule an appointment at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center online or over the phone.

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