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Don’t wait to seek treatment if you have an ingrown toenail, which increases your risk of infection and more severe complications if you have diabetes or another health problem that affects blood flow to your feet. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona in Chandler, Arizona, podiatrists and board-certified foot and ankle surgeons Alex Stewart, DPM, Antonius Su, DPM, and their team offer several ingrown toenail treatments, including nail splints and nail removal. Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona today to schedule ingrown toenail treatment, or book your appointment online.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when your toenail grows into your skin instead of away from your toe. It happens for various reasons, but typically due to wearing shoes that crowd your toes or trimming your toenails at an angle instead of straight across.
Most people experience an ingrown toenail at some point, and while it usually improves with conservative treatment, there are good reasons to seek professional help nonetheless.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenail symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Pain and tenderness
- Inflamed skin growing over the affected nail
- Signs of infection, like oozing pus
An ingrown toenail increases the risk of gangrene (tissue death) and even amputation if you have diabetes or another health problem that affects your circulation.
How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?
Your Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona provider asks about your symptoms and examines your toe, checking for redness, swelling, and signs of infection. They gently press on your toe and the surrounding skin to pinpoint sensitive areas.
X-rays might be needed to see how far the nail grows into your skin. Knowing the severity of the problem helps guide treatment.
How is an ingrown toenail treated?
The Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona team treats ingrown toenails with a conservative, minimally invasive approach. Your provider might suggest:
- Lifting the nail with a piece of cotton or dental floss so it grows away from your skin
- Taping the affected nail away from your skin
- Placing a gutter splint beneath your nail so it grows outward
- Partially removing the nail to reduce the risk of infection
The team recommends completely removing your nail and the underlying tissue if you regularly experience ingrown nails on the same toe. Removing the nail prevents it from growing back and reduces your risk of more serious complications.
Can an ingrown toenail be prevented?
The best way to reduce your risk of an ingrown toenail is to take good care of your feet. Wear shoes that provide plenty of toe room, keep your toenails trimmed and filed, and manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona today to receive ingrown toenail treatment, or book your visit online.