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Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah: Daniel R. Patty, DPM

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Ingrown Toenails

3/26/2018

9 Comments

 
What Are Ingrown Toenails? Ingrown nails, the most common nail impairment, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also become affected.
Causes:
Ingrown toenails may be caused by the following:
  • Improperly trimmed nails
  • Heredity
  • Shoe pressure; crowding of toes
  • Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities

Symptoms:
The following symptoms may be present with ingrown toenails:
  • Pain
  • Redness and swelling
  • Drainage
  • Odor
  • Prominent skin tissue (proud flesh)

Home Treatment:
If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm salt water soak, or a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self-treatment and seek podiatric medical care as soon as possible.
Other “do-it-yourself” treatments, including any attempt to remove any part of an infected nail or the use of over-the-counter medications, should be avoided. Nail problems should be evaluated and treated by your podiatrist, who can diagnose the ailment, and then prescribe medication or another appropriate treatment.

When to Visit a Podiatrist:
​You should see a podiatrist immediately if any drainage or excessive redness is present around the toenail. Also, if a short trial of home treatment has not resulted in improvement of the condition, see your podiatrist. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you should seek immediate treatment at the first signs of an ingrown toenail, as it can lead to more severe complications.

Diagnosis and Treatment:
A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails. The corner of the nail that ingrows, along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail, are removed by use of a chemical, a laser, or other methods.

Prevention:
  • Trim toenails properly: cut them straight across, not longer than the tip of the toes. Do not dig into corners and only gently round off corners with a nail file. Use toenail clippers.
  • Avoid shoes with pointy or narrow toe boxes.
  • Never rip or tear edges of nails.
​
​*Article used, by permission, from APMA.
9 Comments
Sariah Meagle link
2/6/2019 11:39:51 pm

I do agree that an ingrown nail is painful as you mentioned which forces me to remove it sometimes. Since you said that sometimes it's caused by ill-fitting shoes, I'll make sure to buy ones that actually fit me next time. I'll make sure to visit a podiatrist to treat my nails if it requires surgical management as you suggest.

Reply
Shayla Cademis link
6/24/2019 10:36:26 am

Thanks for the suggestion to visit a podiatrist if there's excessive redness around the toenail. My husband has had an ingrown toenail for the past two weeks, and it's progressively getting worse. It's become especially red over the past three days. We'll have to look for a great podiatrist in our area who can help figure out a treatment option.

Reply
Mia Stewart link
7/8/2019 11:44:45 am

I like how the article explains that if your ingrown toenail is starting to drain or have any excessive redness, you will want to get your toe checked as it may be infected or have another problem. Recently, I have gotten an ingrown toenail and it hurts but I didn't know if I should go to a doctor yet or not. If I have any further problems with it, I will make sure to get my toe checked out.

Reply
EmoniNail link
7/9/2019 12:52:12 am

I like the helpful info you supply for your articles. Keep up the great work!


Reply
Shayla Cademis link
7/23/2019 06:23:08 am

Thanks for the suggestion to immediately see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail if you have poor circulation or diabetes. My husband complained of an ingrown toenail yesterday when he got home from work, and I've been worried about it since he was recently diagnosed with diabetes. We'll have to start looking for a great podiatrist in our area who can help resolve the issue before it leads to other complications, as you mentioned.

Reply
Kate Welling link
6/26/2020 10:07:26 am

It's interesting how you said that we should see a podiatrist immediately if the drainage is present around the toenail. My toe hurts so bad, so I suspect I have an ingrown toenail. I will look for a podiatrist near me to help me fix this.

Reply
Rebecca Gardner link
8/27/2020 10:43:16 am

It was interesting when you explained that chemical methods or lasers can be used to stop persistent ingrown toenails permanently. My husband has been dealing with an ingrown toenail on his left foot for the last month or so that's stared to make it hard for him to walk from the pain. Thanks for helping me see why it'd be beneficial for him to discuss care options with a foot specialist soon!

Reply
Taylor Hicken link
4/4/2021 10:15:37 pm

I appreciated it when you shared that it is best to see a podiatrist immediately if excessive redness is present around the toenail area. My wife just mentioned last night that she is having extreme pain around her toe due to an ingrown nail. I will suggest to her to go to a reliable podiatrist who can help with her condition.

Reply
kate hansen link
7/14/2021 12:15:34 pm

It's good to know that pain and swelling is a bad sign. My brother was at my house a couple of weeks ago to help me with moving furniture, and he was telling me about how he has been experiencing these symptoms for a while now and was wondering what the issue could be. I'll make sure to pass this information along to him so that he can look into seeing a podiatrist.

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    Dr. Daniel R. Patty

    Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon at Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah: Orem.

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What Our Patients Are Saying!

"Love Dr. Patty and his staff! I had two screws put in my foot and just went back today and had to have an ingrown toenail procedure. Every visit they get you back so quickly and even when you’re in the room there’s hardly any wait time. Dr patty is very knowledgeable and explains everything to you (he’s even got a good sense of humor) his staff is the sweetest and even let me squeeze her arm while getting injections in my toe! I would recommend him to any of my friends and family and will keep going back to his office for anything my family or I need. Thank you for being genuine and making my experiences the best they can be!" -Amber T.

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"I was having problems with my Achilles and Dr. Patty was recommended to me by my primary care provider. Dr. Patty found the cause within the first few minutes of the visit. When it became apparent that surgery was needed, the procedure was explained clearly and concisely. I was given Dr. Patty's cell phone number so that I could reach him after hours if needed. How many doctors would do that?! I was highly impressed by Dr. Patty's insight and knowledge. Highly recommend!" -Chris T.

"Dr. Patty is so helpful and knowledgeable. It is clear he enjoys his work and his staff is excellent as well. He has given me options, explained pros and cons and allowed me to make the choices. I cannot not recommend highly enough; I am grateful to him for his help."  -Pat K.

"Astounding work. Thrilled with Doctor Patty's masterful repair of my ruptured Tibral Anterior tendon. Comparable to any of the renowned surgeons who cared for me at the 5th Avenue Surgical Center 86th and 5th, Manhattan."  -Robert H.

"
Dr. Patty is a phenomenal doctor. I had an ingrown toenail, and Jill and he got me in the next day. His prices are very reasonable, his service is impeccable, and the experience in his office was better than anywhere else. Even though other podiatrists will accept my insurance, I still go to Dr. Patty; I'd rather pay him than them." -Nate E.

"I was having issues with a swollen ankle and it wasn't healing. Dr Patty was able to find a hairline fracture and get me fitted with a boot in time before the fracture became a break. It was literally on the verge which would have meant surgery given the location of the fracture. Very attentive and professional. He sat down and I felt like he took the time and didn't try and rush me through." - Chelsea R.

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