The skin around the nail on your big toe is red, swollen, and tender, making every step—or even putting on shoes—uncomfortable. Though an ingrown toenail may seem like a relatively minor concern, this common podiatric problem can cause significant pain and discomfort. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can result in infection and even more severe complications. While some ingrown toenails resolve with simple home care, knowing when to see a podiatrist for professional treatment is vital, especially for patients with diabetes and other underlying health conditions. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists provide comprehensive care for ingrown toenails. Our experienced Dearborn podiatrist, Dr. Alexander Thomas, and our multi-lingual team offer treatments to help alleviate symptoms, avoid complications, and prevent recurrence.
Understanding Ingrown Toenails and Their Causes
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nails grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it, causing pain and inflammation. Though this condition typically affects the big toe, it can happen on any toe. Common symptoms include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
An ingrown toenail can significantly impact your daily life and mobility, especially if it becomes infected. While it may start as a minor inconvenience, ignoring the problem can lead to more severe discomfort and complications.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails don’t have a single cause. Various factors can lead to their development, such as:
- Tight shoes. Wearing tight shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes can crowd the toes, forcing the nails to grow into the skin.
- Incorrect nail trimming. Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the corners can increase your risk of ingrown nails. If you have underlying health conditions that affect your feet, we recommend cutting toenails straight across and scheduling a nail trimming appointment with Dr. Thomas.
- Toenail trauma. Stubbing your toe or repetitive pressure on the nail can cause it to grow improperly, increasing your risk of an ingrown toenail.
Understanding these causes can help you avoid factors that increase the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails, exacerbating symptoms, and triggering recurrence.
Home Care for Ingrown Toenails and When to See Our Dearborn Podiatrist
Depending on their severity, some ingrown toenails can heal with simple home care and lifestyle modifications. The sooner you recognize the signs of an ingrown nail and act to address it, the better your chances of healing without professional intervention.
If your symptoms are mild, the following home remedies and modifications may provide relief:
- Epsom soaks. Soaking your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Ointment and bandages. Applying an antibiotic ointment and bandaging the affected toe may help prevent infection and promote healing.
- Properly fitting shoes. Wearing well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box can help alleviate pressure, which can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
However, avoid trimming an ingrown toenail or attempting do-it-yourself “surgery” to remove the nail. These actions can lead to severe infections and further complications.
When to See a Podiatrist
While home remedies and lifestyle modifications can help mild ingrown toenails heal, moderate to severe cases often require professional podiatric care. Here are signs that it’s time to seek treatment:
- Your symptoms persist or worsen after two to three days of home care
- You experience severe pain or difficulty walking
- You’ve noticed pus, redness, or warmth in the affected area, which can indicate infection
- You have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or poor circulation, which increases your risk of complications.
Exploring Our Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails
When you visit our Dearborn podiatry office, Dr. Thomas performs a thorough examination to evaluate your condition and recommends an appropriate treatment to ensure long-term relief. Our treatment options range from conservative measures like trimming the nail and reducing inflammation to surgical solutions like nail avulsion. This safe and painless in-office procedure involves numbing the toe and lifting or removing the part of the toenail to encourage effective healing and prevent recurrence. After discussing your options, we personalize your treatment plan to align with your medical needs, schedule, and lifestyle.