Ingrown Toenails: Expert Insights from The Releford Foot and Ankle Institute
At The Releford Foot and Ankle Institute, we’ve treated countless patients who ignore early signs of an ingrown toenail—only to end up with infections, abscesses, or chronic pain that affects their mobility. What starts as mild redness and tenderness along the nail edge can quickly worsen, leading to swelling, drainage, and difficulty walking.
💡 Key Insights from Our Foot & Ankle Specialists:
✔️ An Ingrown Toenail Is More Than Just a Nuisance – If left untreated, it can lead to infection, abscess formation, and in severe cases, the need for surgical removal.
✔️ Certain Patients Are at Higher Risk – We frequently see complications in diabetic patients, individuals with poor circulation, and those with naturally curved toenails.
✔️ Early Treatment Prevents More Invasive Procedures – Many patients attempt at-home remedies that temporarily relieve discomfort but don’t solve the problem—leading to repeated infections or worsening pain.
🔍 What Does an Ingrown Toenail Look Like?
Redness and swelling around one or both sides of the toenail
Tenderness or pain when applying pressure or wearing shoes
Pus, drainage, or skin overgrowth around the affected nail
🔹 How We Treat Ingrown Toenails Effectively:
- Gentle nail trimming & debridement for early-stage cases
- Medical interventions like nail bracing or partial nail removal for recurring cases
- Diabetic foot care & prevention strategies for high-risk patients
At The Releford Foot and Ankle Institute, we focus on preventing complications and providing long-term relief for patients suffering from chronic or painful ingrown toenails. This guide explains what to look for, why ingrown toenails occur, and the best treatment options to restore pain-free walking.
Key Takeaways
- This condition entails a painful experience that patients usually impact your quality of life.
- There is an array of signs of this condition. Among them involves pain and redness.
- Distortion or curving of the toenail is common due to skin penetration.
- Upon reaching more severe stages, signs of bleeding or pus may become visible.
- Experiences of individuals differ greatly, with pain levels and appearances of the impacted nail varying quite a bit.
Definition of an Ingrown Toenail
This common condition emerges when a toenail's edge grows into skin nearby. Initial symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness, alerting one to this potential issue.
As onychocryptosis advances, other indicators such as bleeding or pus can surface. Uncomfortable and alarming, these symptoms signal the body's response to the nail's abnormal growth. Warmth in the affected area also signifies inflammation. Ignoring this condition may lead to severe complications.
Of all complications from ingrown toenails, infection is particularly serious. In some cases, it spreads beyond the toe, infiltrating deeper tissues or even bone. Such infections, named cellulitis, necessitate immediate medical intervention.
Causes and Risk Factors
Some people have an innate predisposition for this condition due to inherited factors. Genetically determined toenail shape and size may favor nail growth in the surrounding tissue.
Yet, hereditary influences are not the only contributors. Its care is another critical aspect. Incorrectly trimming toenails, especially cutting them too short or unevenly, usually leads to the nail growing into the skin.
Professions or activities that put constant stress on feet possibly escalate the risk. Ballet dancers and soccer players, for example, face increased chances of ingrown toenails due to their profession's nature. Some conditions that impair feet blood flow may put individuals at a higher risk for this condition.
Recognizing an Ingrown Toenail
Early detection of an ingrown toenail significantly influences treatment outcomes and possibly avoids complications. Identifying symptoms promptly is key. Pain around your toenail, especially under pressure, inflammation, and redness are common signs. Sometimes, an infection might occur, resulting in pus near the nail's edges.
Inspecting the nail's appearance also provides important clues. Growth of the nail into nearby skin may lead to a curved or distorted shape. Alternatively, swelling or overgrowth of skin around the nail might cause the nail to appear sunk into your toe.
Remember that each person's experience with ingrown toenails is usually different. Pain levels can range from severe to minor discomfort. Variations in the nail's appearance are also significant.
“A toenail growing improperly beneath the skin causes an ingrown toenail, leading to discomfort, redness, and swelling. Early detection, proper nail trimming, and suitable footwear help prevent complications and support long-term foot health.”
Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails
For minor cases, remedies at home offer effective respite. One such method involves soaking the hurting foot in warm water combined with Epsom salt. After soaking, gently lift the ingrown section, placing a tiny cotton piece underneath to aid in proper nail growth.
Surgical options become necessary for severe or frequently recurring ingrown toenails. These may encompass partial nail removal, where surgeons cut away the ingrown nail portion; or complete nail removal for cases that keep recurring.
Persisting or worsening symptoms necessitate consulting medical professionals to discuss advanced treatment options. Early intervention aids in averting complications and fostering healthier toenails over time.
Preventive Measures for Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are avoidable with early intervention and good foot care practices. Wearing appropriate shoes sits at the heart of this plan. If your footwear is too tight or its shape causes toe compression, nail growth into the skin might occur. So, choose footwear that gives enough space for your toes to move.
You need extra care if you have diabetes or other conditions causing poor blood flow, as you are more prone to ingrown toenail complications. Checking feet regularly and addressing any issues promptly is vital. Prevention always trumps treatment.
Supporting Facts and Statistics
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ingrown toenails, or onychocryptosis, affect many individuals and cause about 20% of foot problems treated in primary care.
The CMS also cited that ingrown toenails affect 2.5% to 5% of the general population, while rates in individuals with diabetes range from 13% to 32%. Diabetic patients with poor circulation and reduced sensation often develop more severe cases, including infections or gangrene.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasized that individuals, especially those with diabetes, should prioritize foot care and monitoring to prevent complications from ingrown toenails. The CDC recommends daily foot checks, proper nail trimming, and well-fitted footwear to maintain foot health.
Releford Institute’s Opinion on Ingrown Toenail
Factors leading to this condition include incorrect toenail-cutting techniques and tight shoes. At RelefordInstitute.com, we believe that the key to managing this condition is early identification. Treatment options vary, from simple home remedies to medical procedures. Knowledge about this issue serves as a key factor in preserving foot health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix ingrown toenails?
To fix an ingrown toenail, first, soak your foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes three to four times a day to reduce swelling. Then, gently lift the edge of the nail with a clean tool and place some cotton or dental floss under it to help the nail grow above the skin. Apply a topical antibiotic and a bandage to prevent infection.
What draws an ingrown toenail out?
Drawing out an ingrown toenail involves soaking the foot in warm water, then gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath it. This method encourages the nail to grow out and away from the skin.
Can ingrown toenails heal themselves?
An ingrown toenail can sometimes heal itself if it's not too severe. Proper foot hygiene, wearing comfortable shoes that provide enough room for your toes, and trimming your nails straight across can help the nails to grow out naturally.
How do you get rid of an ingrown toenail bump?
To get rid of an ingrown toenail bump, soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salt to reduce inflammation. After soaking, gently push back the swollen skin, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage.
What does a stage 3 ingrown toenail look like?
A stage 3 ingrown toenail typically appears red, and swollen and is extremely painful. You may also see pus or other signs of infection. This stage often requires professional medical treatment.
What kills the root of an ingrown toenail?
To kill the root of an ingrown toenail, a doctor may perform a procedure called a partial nail avulsion. This process involves removing part of the nail and treating the area with a chemical to prevent future growth.
Should I cut an ingrown toenail?
You should not cut an ingrown toenail at home as it can lead to further complications, including infection or a worsening of the condition. Seek medical help for severe cases.
Why does my toenail hurt when I press it but not ingrown?
Your toenail might hurt when you press it due to other issues such as a fungal infection, a bruise, or a splinter under the nail. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider to diagnose the issue properly.
How do I numb my toe to remove an ingrown toenail at home?
To numb your toe for at-home ingrown toenail removal, you can use over-the-counter topical anesthetics. Apply the ointment as directed on the package and wait for the area to become numb before attempting any procedures.
Does Vaseline help heal ingrown toenails?
Vaseline does not directly help heal ingrown toenails. However, it can soften the skin around the toenail, which can make it easier to lift the ingrown edge.
How do you permanently get rid of an ingrown toenail?
To permanently get rid of an ingrown toenail, a medical procedure known as a matrixectomy may be necessary. This procedure removes a portion of the nail and the underlying nail bed to prevent regrowth.
How to fix a toenail that is curving in?
To fix a toenail that is curving in, you may need to see a podiatrist. They may recommend a brace to correct the curvature or a surgical procedure for more severe cases.
