Ingrown Nails

What are ingrown nails?

An ingrown nail occurs when one or more of your toenails grow into the skin around the nail bed. This results in redness, swelling, and tenderness and increases your risk of more severe problems like infection.

Anyone can experience an ingrown nail, but they’re especially common in athletes and people who wear shoes that crowd their toes. If you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects your circulation, ingrown nails increase your risk of severe complications.

Which symptoms do ingrown nails cause?

Ingrown nail symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Red, inflamed skin
• Swelling
• Infection

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

When should I see a podiatrist about ingrown nails?

Make an appointment at Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle if you have an ingrown nail that’s painful and/or affecting your mobility. That’s especially true if you have diabetes or another health problem that affects blood flow to your feet. Without treatment, ingrown nails increase your risk of infection, gangrene (tissue death), and amputation.

How does a podiatrist diagnose ingrown nails?

Dr. Klimek reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the toenail growing into your skin, what it feels like, and if your pain is worse at specific times, like when you wear closed-toe shoes.

Dr. Klimek examines the affected toe and toenail. Ingrown nails can be easily diagnosed, but Dr. Klimek might order diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an ultrasound to see how far the nail grows into your skin and check for infection.

If an infection is found, Dr. Klimek collects a tissue sample and sends it for lab analysis. Identifying the source of infection allows Dr. Klimek to determine the best treatment approach.

How does a podiatrist treat ingrown nails?

At Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle, Dr. Klimek takes a conservative and integrative approach to treating ingrown nails. He could suggest:

• Lifting the nail so that it grows away from your skin
• Taping the nail
• Placing a gutter splint under the nail so it grows outward
• Partially removing the nail

If you often get ingrown nails on the same toe, Dr. Klimek might recommend completely removing the nail. This procedure prevents the nail from growing back so your toe can fully heal.

Call the nearest Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle office today to schedule an ingrown nail treatment, or book your appointment online.