Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails usually aren’t serious, but they can increase your risk of infection and more severe problems if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects blood flow to your feet. At Bluestone Podiatry, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Kurt Relation, DPM, offers complete care for ingrown toenails. He can prevent the issue from worsening and get you back on your feet.

Call Bluestone Podiatry today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.

Do ingrown toenails improve on their own?

It depends on how far your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Mild ingrown toenails usually heal with at-home care, like foot baths and antibiotic ointments. But if you regularly experience ingrown nails or have a medical condition that increases your risk of serious complications, professional treatment is necessary. At Bluestone Podiatry, Dr. Relation has extensive experience managing and treating ingrown toenails. 

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenail symptoms include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Red, inflamed skin
• Swelling

Your affected toe might bleed or ooze pus if it’s infected.

Who is at risk of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails affect people of all ages, but several factors increase your risk, including wearing shoes that crowd your toes, cutting your nails too short, and playing sports that involve running or kicking. 

You’re also more likely to develop ingrown toenails if you have a medical condition, like peripheral artery disease (PAD), that causes poor blood flow. 

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose ingrown toenails?

Dr. Relation reviews your medical records and examines your affected toe and toenail. He checks for redness, swelling, and signs of infection.

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat ingrown toenails?

At Bluestone Podiatry, Dr. Relation treats ingrown toenails using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:

• Lifting the nail so it grows above the skin edge
• Taping the nail to pull it away from the skin
• Performing an in office procedure to remove the offending nail border which can be done as a temporary or permanent solution

Can I reduce my risk of ingrown toenails?

The easiest way to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails is to practice good foot hygiene. Dr. Relation recommends wearing shoes that fit and keeping your toenails at a moderate length.

You should also inspect your feet and toes daily if you have a medical condition, like diabetes, that increases your risk of foot-related problems.

Call us today to schedule your ingrown toenail treatment, or book your visit online.