Although any of your toenails can become ingrown and cause pain, it is typically your big toenails that lead to issues. If you have an ingrown toenail or if you regularly develop ingrown toenails, contact United Foot & Ankle in East Brunswick, Keyport, Somerset, Perth Amboy, or Bayonne, New Jersey. The expert podiatrists can treat your ingrown toenail on the spot, so you won’t have to live another day with pain. Schedule your ingrown toenail appointment through the website, or call to speak with a team member at any clinic location.

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What causes an ingrown toenail?

When the side of your nail grows into your surrounding skin, your nail is considered ingrown. As your nail grows, it continues to dig into your skin and cause irritation. Podiatrists find that most ingrown toenails form because of improper toenail trimming.

For example, if you tear your toenails, cut them too short, or round out your toenail edges, your toenails are highly likely to become ingrown. But it isn’t just your trimming techniques that are to blame; you can also suffer from ingrown toenails if you:

  • Participate in sports that put pressure on your forefoot, like soccer
  • Drop something heavy on your foot
  • Have overly curved “pincer” nails
  • Stub your toe

Ingrown toenails are even linked to ill-fitting footwear. If you wear shoes or socks that are too tight, the constant nail friction may lead to an ingrown toenail.

What is the treatment for an ingrown toenail?

Treatment of an ingrown toenail as soon as possible is important. If left untreated, an infection can develop that can become so severe, it seeps into your bones, which is a serious condition called osteomyelitis.

The team at United Foot & Ankle provides in-office ingrown toenail removal treatments. To ensure you’re entirely comfortable, your podiatrist numbs your toe before getting started.

For mild ingrown toenails, all your podiatrist has to do is trim away the ingrown portion of your nail. But for more complex ingrown toenails, your podiatrist may recommend removing the entire nail. They can even treat the growth center to stop future nail growth, but only if ingrown toenails are a recurring problem for you.

Your podiatrist also bandages your toe once it’s treated and teaches you how to change your dressings at home. If you have a severe infection, they may give you a prescription for antibiotics.

How can I prevent an ingrown toenail?

Once your podiatrist at United Foot & Ankle treats your ingrown toenail, they counsel you about prevention. To lower your risk of an ingrown toenail in the future, it’s important to:

  • Ensure your socks aren’t too tight
  • Trim your toenails straight across
  • Wear shoes with adequate room in the toe box

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, preventing ingrown toenails is essential, since you’re at risk of developing serious infections in these cases.

United Foot & Ankle provides in-office ingrown toenail removal procedures to help you get fast relief. Schedule your ingrown toenail exam either online or over the phone with any office.