← What we treat

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin alongside it. The area becomes tender, red, and swollen, and it often gets worse rather than better on its own. Some become infected, with drainage and skin that builds up along the nail border.

They are commonly caused by nail shape, cutting the nails too short or curved at the corners, tight shoes, or an injury to the toe. Some people are simply prone to them because of how the nail is shaped, and those tend to come back.

Treated in the office, usually in one visit

Most ingrown toenails are treated the same day you come in. The toe is numbed with a local anesthetic, and the offending border of nail is removed. Once the toe is numb the procedure itself is not painful, and most people are surprised how quickly the pain they came in with is gone.

You walk out the same day. Most patients return to normal shoes and activity quickly, with simple instructions for keeping the toe clean while it heals.

When the same nail keeps coming back

For nails that recur, a permanent correction is available. After the border is removed, a chemical is applied to the nail root so that portion of the nail does not grow back. The rest of the nail is left intact, and the nail is usually only slightly narrower than before.

Do not wait it out

An ingrown nail that is infected, draining, or increasingly painful is worth having treated rather than managing at home. Attempting to dig out the nail border yourself usually makes it worse and raises the risk of infection.

If you are diabetic or have poor circulation or neuropathy, any ingrown or infected toenail should be looked at promptly rather than treated at home.