What is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails start when the corner or side of the nail grows into the flesh of your toe. This can happen if your nail is cut too short or by wearing shoes that fit poorly. If you’ve stubbed your toe, the nail could start growing incorrectly. Even if you cut your nails correctly, wear proper-fitting shoes, and don’t injure your toes, the natural shape of your nail can still cause an ingrown toenail.

How do I know whether I have an ingrown toenail?

When you’re putting on your socks and shoes and notice some redness near the side of your toe, you might dismiss it, but if it hurts you’ll want to know why. Some symptoms of an ingrown toenail are:

• Pain and tenderness
• Redness
• Swelling
• Yellow discoloration from infection
• Presence of pus

Speak to your podiatrist if you experience intense pain or see pus around your toe right away, especially if you have diabetes or other blood flow conditions.

Will my ingrown toenail go away without treatment?

Ingrown toenails don’t go away without some form of treatment. The helpful team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic performs treatment on ingrown toenails daily and don’t want you to suffer any longer. They suggest several at-home treatments like:

• Warm salt water soaks in a basin
• Lifting the nail with cotton or dental floss
• Antibiotic cream
• Open-toed shoes
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

If you have tried treating the ingrown toenail yourself or seek more guidance, call Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic to relieve your pain.

Can I prevent an ingrown toenail?

Preventing an ingrown toenail is easier than treating one. Wear socks and shoes with plenty of toe space. When you trim your nails, don’t cut them too short. If you stub your toe, act quickly by checking for damage. Caring for an injured nail early decreases your chances of having your nail grow incorrectly.

Having an ingrown toenail removed can be daunting, but with the experienced doctors at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic on the job, they quickly and painlessly get your nail growing in the right direction. Book your appointment online or call for your consultation at one of their two San Antonio-area locations in Pleasanton or Universal City, Texas.

Check out our videos

• Watch an Ingrown Toenail Surgery Video
• Do Injections for Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt?
• Is It Painful to Get an Ingrown Toenail Removed?

FAQs

• What to do if your child has an ingrown toenail

Videos

• Tips for Fixing an Ingrown Toenail at Home
• Do Injections for Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt?
• Is It Painful to Get an Ingrown Toenail Removed?

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