Ingrown Toenails

If you have diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD), an ingrown toenail increases your risk of infection and other potentially serious issues. At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, podiatrist Petrina Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, offers same-day treatment for ingrown toenails, including temporary removal, permanent removal, and the KERYflex® nail restoration system. To make an appointment, call the office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or book online today.

What are ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail develops when one of your nails grows into the soft skin surrounding the nail bed instead of away from your toe. Almost everyone develops an ingrown toenail during their lifetime, but if you have health problems that affect blood flow to your feet, you’re also more likely to experience complications.

At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Lewis provides various minimally invasive treatments for ingrown nails. These procedures relieve pain, prevent infection, and encourage your body’s natural healing process.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Symptoms of ingrown toenails include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Inflamed skin
• Swelling

If your nail gets infected, you might also notice it oozing blood or pus.

Who is at risk of experiencing ingrown toenails?

Several factors may increase your risk of ingrown toenails, including:

• Wearing shoes that crowd your toes
• Cutting your toenails at an angle
• Injuring a toenail
• Having abnormally curved toenails
• Nail infections

Certain medical conditions also increase your risk of ingrown nails, such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease.

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

To diagnose an ingrown toenail, Dr. Lewis reviews your medical records and examines your toe and nail. Ingrown nails are visible to the eye, but she might also order X-rays to determine how far it grows into your skin and whether there’s an infection.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Treatment for ingrown toenails depends on various factors, including your age, health history, and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Lewis might recommend:

• Lifting the nail with a splint, so it grows away from your toe
• Taping the nail so there’s a separation between the nail and your skin
• Partially removing the nail
• Permanently removing the nail and surrounding tissue

You might also benefit from treatment with the KERYflex® professional nail restoration system. KERYflex uses composite resin to create flexible, durable, and nonporous artificial nails. These nails repair damage caused by fungus, defects, or trauma, transforming the appearance of your feet.

How can I reduce the risk of ingrown toenails?

The easiest way to reduce your risk of ingrown toenails is to practice good nail hygiene. Keep your toenails trimmed, wear shoes that provide plenty of room for your toes, and if you work around tools or heavy machinery, invest in steel toe boots.

Don’t let ingrown toenails affect your mobility or quality of life. Make an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center by calling the office or scheduling online today.