Foot Problems
Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is a curvature of the nail down the side of the toe into the skin. This causes pain and discomfort and, in many cases, can result in infection.

The leading cause of ingrown toenails is inheritance, although the way the patient trims his or her nails can be a contributing factor. Wearing certain closed-in shoes may also be a contributing factor.

The most common nail involved is the great toe or big toe. Infection is occurring when there is redness and an uncomfortable sense of warmth, swelling and pain. Drainage occurs as well.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

In most cases, ingrown toenails are treated by a podiatrist.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatment can consist of the podiatrist carefully utilizing a special nail-cutting instrument on a portion of the nail.

Your doctor may consider other treatments if the area has become infected, or if the ingrown toenail reoccurs.