When Does an Ingrown Toenail Require a Trip to Your Podiatrist?

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot problems, accounting for about 20% of foot-related primary care visits. Oftentimes, an ingrown toenail responds to at-home treatments, such as wearing shoes with a wider toe box or trimming the affected nail. However, for people with diabetes or circulatory issues, ingrown toenails may present serious risks. 

At Prime Foot and Ankle Care, with offices in South Brunswick, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Franklin Park, Princeton, and Plainsboro, New Jersey, podiatrist Nrupa Shah, DPM, regularly treats ingrown toenails. Read on to discover why ingrown toenails happen, signs it’s time to see a podiatrist, and what to expect in terms of treatment.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Cutting your toenails too short or rounding their edges
• Wearing tight shoes that crowd your toes
• Injuries, such as stubbing your toe
• Fungal infections, which can thicken the nail and affect its growth

Genetics may also play a role. Some people have naturally thick or curved toenails that make ingrown nails more likely.

Regardless of the cause, ingrown nails typically present similar symptoms, including redness along the side of the nail, mild swelling, and tenderness that worsens when pressure is applied.

Signs it’s time to see a podiatrist

Most ingrown nails can be managed with at-home care, such as taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication and wearing shoes that give your toes room to move comfortably. 

However, if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects circulation, you may benefit from professional care. Reduced blood flow and impaired healing can increase the risk of serious complications, including infection, gangrene (tissue death), and, in severe instances, amputation.

Contact us immediately if you have an ingrown toenail and develop any of the following symptoms:

• Significant swelling along the side of your toe
• Skin that feels warm to the touch
• Noticeable pus or drainage
• Redness spreading beyond your toe
• Fever

Even if you don’t have these symptoms, consider getting checked out if you regularly experience ingrown nails, as we can help prevent them from recurring.

Ingrown toenail treatment: What to expect

When it comes to treating ingrown toenails, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Before making any recommendation, Dr. Shah reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including whether you regularly experience ingrown nails and if you’ve noticed signs of infection, such as a fever or pus.

Tell Dr. Shah if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), poor circulation, a weakened immune system, or if you have a history of foot infections. This context is key to developing a treatment plan.

After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Shah visually examines your toe and gently presses on it. She may also order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, if there are concerns about a deeper infection.

Depending on the severity of your ingrown nail, Dr. Shah may suggest:

• Using a small splint to gently guide the nail away from your skin as it grows
• Removing some or all of your toenail, if ingrown nails are a recurring problem
• Taking prescription antibiotics (if you have an infection)
• Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels

Some people benefit from several treatment approaches. The goal of treatment is to help your toe heal and prevent the problem from happening again in the future.

We can help treat your ingrown toenail

If you regularly experience ingrown toenails, are concerned about an infection, or have a medical condition that increases your risk of complications, contact us today. Call the Prime Foot and Ankle Care office at 732-798-6150, or request an appointment online.