Ingrown toenails can result in a painful and debilitating condition if not addressed promptly. Treatment options for an ingrown toenail vary. Nonsurgical methods, suitable for mild to moderate cases, include wearing appropriate footwear, managing fungal infections, and soaking the afflicted foot. A podiatrist may also suggest applying steroid creams and may use cotton or dental floss to lift the nail edge. Other specialized treatment includes applying tape to pull the nail fold away, employing gutter splints, or creating cotton nail casts. Surgical options become necessary for more severe cases. In these cases, a podiatrist may perform a partial nail avulsion, wedge excision or total nail avulsion. Each method aims to alleviate pressure on the nail fold, thus reducing trauma and preventing recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it  is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform the treatment method that is right for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.