Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Sugar Land, TX

How to Treat & Prevent Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail can be very uncomfortable and make standing, walking, working, and exercising hard. Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can become infected or cause chronic or permanent foot problems. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, we have a team of experienced, skilled foot doctors and surgeons who specialize in evaluating and treating ingrown toenails in Sugar Land, TX. Call us today to schedule a consultation to assess your condition, discuss your options, and find relief with ingrown toenail treatment.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that occurs when the corner of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It can cause inflammation, swelling, pain, trouble standing or walking, itching, and infection. In some cases, an ingrown toenail can be treated at home or may even resolve on its own. However, certain medical conditions and lifestyle habits make the condition more serious and increase the risk of complications. If you have an ingrown toenail that has been causing discomfort for more than 10-14 days, we recommend you come in and see us. If you suspect you have an infected ingrown toenail, you should make an appointment with our specialists as soon as possible.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are a very common foot condition that usually occurs when you cut your toenails in such a way that they taper downwards at the corners. As the toenails grow out, they may start growing into the skin. Cutting your toenails straight across without rounding them at the sides is best. Poorly fitting shoes, damage to your toenail or toe, and the shape of your toe can also increase the chance that you will develop an ingrown toenail. Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, and the situation isn’t usually serious. If you have diabetes, nerve damage, a history of skin conditions or infections, poor circulation, or a nail infection, you have a higher risk of complications. Athletes and children have a greater risk of infected ingrown toenails.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

The most common initial symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain or irritation at the site. You may also notice that it is red, swollen, hard, and hot to the touch. You may find it hard to put shoes or socks on, stand, or walk. Symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail include:

• Pus or discharge from the nail area
• Extreme pain
• Redness or darkening skin around the affected nail
• Swelling
• A toe that is hot to the touch

Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options

At home, ingrown toenail self-care can often resolve the problem without the need to visit a doctor. You can soak your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or peroxide twice a day. You should keep your foot dry as much as possible. If you can, gently lift the edge of your nail and place a small piece of cotton ball between the nail and your skin. You can also try to use dental floss to separate the nail and your skin. You should change the cotton or floss every day. While treating your nail, wear roomy shoes and use antibiotic cream to prevent infection. You can also try using a drugstore ingrown toenail treatment kit and ask your doctor for advice on how to fix an ingrown toenail. If the problem doesn’t resolve itself, you have a condition that increases your risk of complications, or you need infected ingrown toenail treatment, come in and see us. We offer both conservative and surgical ingrown toenail treatment options:

• Conservative Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options – We will begin by trying conservative ingrown toenail treatment methods. We will lift your nail and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint underneath to separate the nail from the skin. You will need to remove this material daily, clean and soak your toe, and then apply new material. The situation should be resolved in two to 12 weeks. We may also try pulling the skin away from the nail with tape or placing a gutter splint under the nail.
• Surgical Treatment for Ingrown Toenails – For more serious cases, or if conservative treatment methods don’t work, we may recommend surgical treatment for your ingrown toenail. We may partially remove the nail to relieve the pressure and prevent infection. In serious cases or if you have an infected ingrown toenail, we recommend complete ingrown toenail removal. We may remove a portion or all of your nails, along with your nail bed.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

You can prevent or reduce your risk of ingrown toenails by being proactive about your foot care. We recommend these tips for preventing ingrown toenails:

• Cut your toenails after a shower or bath.
• Cut your toenails straight across, and don’t curve or taper them.
• Clean your nail trimmer before and after each use.
• Never tear or rip your toenails.
• Wear shoes that fit properly.
• Be aware of conditions or situations that increase your risk of ingrown toenails.

Schedule a Consultation for Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Don’t suffer through another day of pain and discomfort due to an ingrown toenail in Sugar Land, TX. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced foot doctors. We will evaluate the severity of your ingrown toenail, discuss your treatment options, and help you make an informed decision about your care. We always start with conservative treatment options and only recommend surgical intervention in extreme cases or if conservative treatment is ineffective.