Ingrown Toenails

Why is Your Toe Hurting by the Nail?

If your toe is hurting on the inside or outside border, it could be an ingrown toenail. Ingrown nails occur when the toenail begins to grow into the surrounding skin.  Your body treats an ingrown like a foreign body. It does not know the difference between your own nail and a tooth pick!

What Causes an Ingrown?

There are several causes, including congenital (from birth) nail shape, injury, tight shoes, pregnancy and gait (the way you walk).

I Think My Toe Is Infected?

Ingrown nails may become infected causing pus to drain from the side, pain and redness.  If you notice any of these signs, your ingrown may be infected.

What Do I Do?

Here are some tips if you think you have an ingrown:

-Begin soaking the toe in warm water and epsin salts. This can help prevent infections and relieve pain.

-Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandaid. Using an ointment with liodcaine can help to reduce the pain.

-Cut the nail straight across. Try not to dig into the sides of the nail. 

-Do not attempt to remove the nail yourself. This can lead to worsening of infections and pain.

What Can I Expect From an Ingrown visit?

If the doctor diagnosis an ingrown, they may recommend removal of the nail border.  We may also perscribe antibiotics and topical ointment to help with infection.

In the case of frequent ingrowns, the physician may recommend permenantly removing the side of the nail to prevent the ingrown from coming back.

Whatever the cause of the ingrown, we can help to resolve it. Give us a call at (480)-632-5757 or book online.

Chris Suykerbuyk, DPM, FACFAS