Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a common but painful problem that can negatively affect your mobility and quality of life. At Align Foot & Ankle Center, in Camarillo, California, experienced podiatrist Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS and the team provide a wide range of treatments for ingrown toenails. Call the nearest office to request an ingrown toenail consultation today, or book online.

What are ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when your nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail bed instead of away from your toe.

Almost everyone gets an ingrown toenail at some time during their life, but if you have diabetes or another health problem that affects your circulation, it can increase your risk of infection or other complications.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Symptoms of ingrown toenails include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Inflamed skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Increased sensitivity to touch

As the nail grows further into your skin, the wound might also bleed or ooze pus.

Who is at risk of having ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails affect people from all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Having sweaty feet
• Wearing shoes that crowd your nails together
• Wearing tight shoes
• Playing sports that involve running or kicking
• Having an underlying health problem, like diabetes

You’re also more likely to have an ingrown toenail if you don’t regularly trim your nails or you trim them at an angle instead of straight across. 

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

To diagnose an ingrown toenail, the team at Align Foot & Ankle Center reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Next, they complete an exam, checking your toe and the surrounding skin for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or an open wound.

Ingrown nails are visible without any special technology, but your provider might also order X-rays to see how far the nail grows into your skin and to determine if there’s an infection.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Treatment for ingrown toenails depends on how far the nail grows into your skin and the severity of your symptoms. The team at Align Foot & Ankle Center typically recommends minimally invasive treatments, including:

• Lifting the nail away from your skin
• Taping the nail, so it grows away from your skin
• Placing a gutter splint under the nail to guide it away from your toe
• Partially removing the nail

If you regularly experience ingrown nails on the same toe and they cause infections or mobility problems, the team might recommend minimally invasive surgery. During minimally invasive surgery, your provider uses special tools to remove your nail and the surrounding tissue. Then, they apply a special chemical treatment to prevent the nail from growing back.

Call the nearest Align Foot & Ankle Center to explore the treatments for ingrown toenails today, or book online.