Ingrown Toenail

Should I be worried about an ingrown toenail?

It depends. An ingrown toenail occurs when your toenail grows into your skin instead of away from your toe. Almost everyone gets an ingrown toenail at one time or another, but if you have health problems that affect blood flow to your feet, it can cause severe complications.

Make an appointment at Evolve Foot & Woundcare if you have an ingrown toenail. Even if you don’t think it’s serious, Dr. Bingham can stop it from worsening and provide peace of mind.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenail symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Inflamed skin
• Pain and tenderness
• Infection

As the nail grows further into your skin, you might notice it oozing blood or pus.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur for various reasons, but they’re particularly common in people who wear tight shoes that don’t have enough room for the toes. You're also more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you have very curved nails, injure your toe, or round your toenails when clipping them. 

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal infection that causes your toenails to become thick, discolored, and crumbly.

Fungal nail infections often affect one toe initially but spread to the others over time. Fortunately, several treatments can stop the infection from worsening, including oral antifungal drugs, medicated nail polish, and laser nail treatment.

How does a foot doctor diagnose an ingrown toenail?

Dr. Bingham reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toe and toenail. Ingrown toenails are easy to identify, but if Dr. Bingham thinks you have an infection, she might refer you to Danbury Hospital for X-rays.

How does a podiatrist treat an ingrown toenail?

At Evolve Foot & Woundcare, Dr. Bingham treats ingrown toenails using a conservative approach. She might suggest:

• Lifting the nail to separate it from the skin underneath
• Taping the nail to pull it away from the skin
• Placing a gutter splint under the nail so it grows away from the toe
• Partially removing the nail
• Removing the nail and underlying tissue

Dr. Bingham might recommend more specialized treatment, like wound care, if you have diabetic neuropathy or an infection. 

Call Evolve Foot & Woundcare today to schedule treatment for an ingrown toenail, or book your appointment online.