If you're experiencing discomfort from an ingrown toenail, treatment from a qualified podiatrist can help prevent complications and provide lasting relief. At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our experienced foot care team offers effective solutions for patients throughout the East Valley.
With several decades of combined experience, our specialists have helped thousands of East Valley residents resolve their ingrown toenail concerns. We offer same-day appointments at our Gilbert and Chandler locations, and personalized treatment plans designed to provide prompt relief while promoting proper nail growth.
Why Do Ingrown Toenails Happen?
When the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This most commonly affects the big toe, though any toe can develop this painful condition. While some people are genetically predisposed to ingrown toenails due to naturally curved nails, many cases stem from preventable causes.
Common triggers include wearing shoes that squeeze your toes, cutting your toenails too short or at an angle, and injuring your toe. Athletes and people who spend long hours on their feet face an increased risk due to repetitive pressure on their toes.
Warning Signs That Require Professional Care
While mild cases might improve with home care, certain symptoms indicate you should seek treatment from one of our highly skilled podiatrists:
- The skin around your toenail appears red, swollen, and feels warm to the touch. These signs often indicate an infection has developed.
- Your toe is producing pus or other drainage. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent the infection from spreading.
- The pain interferes with your daily activities. Professional treatment can provide quick relief and prevent the condition from worsening.
Our Professional Treatment Options
During your examination, we'll thoroughly inspect your feet, discuss aspects of your lifestyle and activities, and maybe even look at your shoes to see if they're contributing to the problem. Then, we'll determine the right diagnostic approach for your specific situation and whether you have recurring issues.
- For mild cases, we can carefully lift the nail edge and place a small splint underneath to encourage proper growth. This provides immediate relief while allowing the nail to heal.
- When infection is present, we may need to remove a portion of the nail under local anesthesia. This quick procedure provides immediate relief and encourages proper recovery.
- For patients with chronic ingrown toenails, we might recommend permanently removing a small portion of the nail root to prevent future problems. This treatment has a high success rate and minimal recovery time.
Prevention Strategies for Healthy Toenails
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, we believe the more information you have about maintaining good foot health, the better. We'll always take time to talk with you about home techniques you can easily do to avoid future complications. Here's what to incorporate into your care routine to prevent ingrown toenails:
- Practice proper nail care by cutting toenails straight across at a moderate length. Avoid rounding the corners or cutting them too short.
- Choose shoes with adequate toe room to prevent pressure on your toenails. Athletic footwear should have enough space to accommodate foot swelling during activity.
- Keep your feet clean and dry to reduce infection risk. Change socks regularly, especially after exercise or if your feet tend to sweat.