Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Gastonia, NC
Fast and Gentle Relief at Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists
An ingrown toenail may seem like a minor issue, but for anyone who has experienced one, the pain and irritation are anything but small. When the edge of a toenail grows into the soft skin of the toe, it can lead to intense pain, redness, swelling, and even infection.
At Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists in Gastonia, NC, we understand the significant discomfort that an ingrown toenail can cause. Our expert podiatrists are skilled in providing fast, gentle, and lasting relief.
We offer simple, in-office procedures to solve the problem for good, so you can get back to your day without the constant pain and frustration.
Understanding Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail (medically known as onychocryptosis) is a very common condition where the corner or side of a toenail curves and grows down into the surrounding skin. This can happen on any toe, but it most often affects the big toe.
The ingrown nail acts like a foreign body, piercing the skin and creating a wound. This can quickly lead to inflammation and, if left untreated, a painful infection with pus and bleeding.
Trying to treat an ingrown toenail at home can often make the problem worse, increasing the risk of infection and complications.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are rarely a sign of poor hygiene; they are typically caused by a combination of improper nail care and other factors that create pressure on the nail.
Common contributing factors include:
Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners instead of cutting them straight across is the most frequent cause.
Tight-Fitting Footwear: Shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or have a pointed toe can crowd the toes and put excessive pressure on the toenails.
Heredity: Some people simply have a genetic predisposition to having toenails that are curved or grow in a way that makes them prone to becoming ingrown.
Foot Trauma: A stubbed toe, repeated pressure from running, or dropping an object on the foot can lead to an ingrown nail.
Fungal Infections: A fungal infection can cause a nail to thicken or widen, increasing the pressure and likelihood of it becoming ingrown.
Recognizing the Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail are often easy to spot and can escalate quickly if an infection develops.
If you notice these signs, professional care is the best route to take:
Pain and Tenderness: The area around the ingrown nail is very sensitive to pressure and touch.
Redness and Swelling: The skin around the corner of the nail becomes inflamed and swollen.
Pus or Drainage: If an infection has started, you may see pus or clear fluid draining from the area.
Warmth to the Touch: The inflamed toe may feel hot.
Overgrowth of Skin: In chronic cases, the skin around the ingrown nail may grow over the nail plate.
Difficulty Walking: The pain may make it difficult to walk or wear certain shoes.
Effective Treatments for Ingrown Toenails at Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists
At Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists, our priority is providing safe, effective, and lasting relief. We offer simple, in-office procedures that are far more effective and less painful than attempting home remedies. Our treatment options include:
Conservative Care
Proper Trimming
For mild cases, we can carefully and painlessly trim the nail correctly to relieve pressure. We also provide patient education on how to properly care for their nails to prevent future occurrences.
Nail Bracing or Taping
We can use specialized methods to gently lift the ingrown nail away from the skin.
Minor, In-Office Procedures
Partial Nail Avulsion
This is the most common and effective procedure for a recurring or painful ingrown toenail. After numbing the toe, our podiatrist will gently remove only the ingrown portion of the nail border. This provides immediate relief and allows the skin to heal quickly. The procedure is very short and patients can often return to their normal activities the same day.
Matrixectomy (Permanent Removal)
For chronic, recurring ingrown toenails, a permanent solution is often the best choice. After performing a partial nail avulsion, we can apply a chemical to the nail root (matrix) to prevent that small section of the nail from growing back. This is a simple, highly effective solution that ensures the problem won't return.
Ingrown toenails are a common problem with a simple, lasting solution. Don't suffer through the pain and risk an infection. Contact Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists in Gastonia, NC, today to schedule your appointment.
Our dedicated team is ready to provide the gentle, expert care needed to solve your ingrown toenail problem for good.