Ingrown toenails are one of the most common—and painful—conditions treated in podiatry offices. While they may seem minor at first, untreated ingrown nails can quickly lead to infection, difficulty walking, and serious complications, especially for patients with diabetes or circulation issues.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This most commonly affects the big toe.
As the nail pierces the skin, the body reacts with inflammation. Bacteria can then enter the area, leading to infection.
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain along one or both sides of the nail
- Redness and swelling
- Tenderness to touch
- Drainage or pus
- Warmth around the toe
- Overgrowth of tissue (in chronic cases)
If left untreated, the condition can worsen and become increasingly painful.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Several factors can contribute:
Improper nail trimming
Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners increases the risk.
Tight footwear
Shoes that squeeze the toes push the nail into the skin.
Trauma
Stubbing your toe or repetitive pressure (running, sports) can alter nail growth.
Genetics
Some people naturally have curved or thick nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown.
Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating
These can soften the skin and increase susceptibility.
Why You Shouldn’t “DIY” Treatment
Many people try to dig out the nail at home. Unfortunately, this often:
- Worsens the inflammation
- Introduces infection
- Causes bleeding
- Delays proper healing
Bathroom surgery rarely solves the root problem and may make it harder to treat later.
How a Podiatrist Treats Ingrown Toenails
Podiatrists are specially trained to safely and effectively treat ingrown nails. Treatment depends on severity:
1. Conservative Care (Mild Cases)
- Safe trimming and removal of the ingrown edge
- Reducing inflammation
- Topical or oral antibiotics if needed
2. Partial Nail Procedure (For Recurrent or Infected Cases)
If the problem keeps returning, a minor in-office procedure can permanently correct it.
- The ingrown portion of the nail is removed
- A medication is applied to prevent that edge from growing back
- The procedure is quick and done under local anesthesia
- Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two
This is a highly effective, long-term solution.
Special Considerations for High-Risk Patients
If you have:
- Diabetes
- Neuropathy
- Peripheral artery disease
- A weakened immune system
You should never attempt self-treatment. Even a small infection can become serious quickly.
Prevention Tips
- Cut nails straight across (not rounded)
- Avoid cutting nails too short
- Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room
- Keep feet clean and dry
- See a podiatrist at the first sign of pain
Don’t Ignore the Pain
Ingrown toenails may start small, but they can escalate quickly. The good news? They are one of the most straightforward conditions we treat—with excellent outcomes.
If you’re experiencing toe pain, redness, or drainage, early treatment can save you discomfort and prevent complications.
Your feet carry you every day—don’t let a small nail slow you down.
By: Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM
