Key Takeaways
- An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or side of the nail grows into the skin, usually on the big toe.
- Mild ingrown toenails can often be treated at home with soaking and gentle care.
- See a provider if pain is severe or spreading, or if you notice pus, warmth or red streaks.
- People with diabetes or poor blood flow to the feet should not treat ingrown toenails on their own.
- Prima CARE's podiatry team in Fall River offers quick, gentle in-office treatment for painful or infected ingrown toenails. Request an appointment for fast relief.
Request an Appointment With Prima CARE
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
According to Mayo Clinic's overview of ingrown toenails, an ingrown toenail is a common condition where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft skin. This can cause pain, inflamed skin, swelling and sometimes infection. It usually affects the big toe.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Mayo Clinic lists these common causes and risk factors:
- Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners
- Injuring a toenail, such as stubbing your toe
- Wearing shoes that crowd the toes
- Having a hard time caring for your nails
- Having a condition, such as diabetes, that reduces blood flow to the feet
Safe Home Care for a Mild Ingrown Toenail
Mayo Clinic notes that you can often take care of an ingrown toenail on your own. If you do not have diabetes or circulation problems, try these steps:
- Soak your foot. Soak in warm water a few times a day to ease swelling.
- Lift the nail edge. Mayo Clinic's tips for avoiding infected ingrown toenails suggest placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge of the nail.
- Wear roomy shoes. Choose open-toed shoes or sandals while it heals.
- Keep it clean. Wash the area and keep it dry.
What Not to Do
- Do not cut a 'V' into the nail or dig out the corner yourself.
- Do not use sharp tools under the nail.
- Do not ignore signs that the problem is getting worse.
Home Care vs. a Visit to the Foot Doctor
| Situation | Try Home Care | See a Podiatrist |
|---|---|---|
| Mild redness and tenderness | Yes | If it does not improve in a few days |
| Pus, warmth or red streaks | No | Yes |
| Severe or spreading pain | No | Yes |
| You have diabetes or poor circulation | No | Yes, right away |
| Ingrown toenails keep coming back | No | Yes, to discuss a permanent fix |
When to See a Foot Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail
Mayo Clinic advises seeing a provider if you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to the feet and you have any foot sore or infection. Mayo Clinic also warns that an untreated ingrown toenail can infect the bone underneath and lead to a serious bone infection.
If you have diabetes, check your feet every day for ingrown nails and other problems. Prima CARE's endocrinology team can also help you keep your blood sugar under control.
How a Podiatrist Treats Ingrown Toenails
The Prima CARE podiatry team can numb the toe and gently trim or remove the ingrown part of the nail. For toenails that keep coming back, the provider may treat the nail root so that edge does not grow back. If you need same-day care for a painful toe, a Prima CARE walk-in clinic can also take a look.
Get Quick Relief From Ingrown Toenail Pain at Prima CARE
Mild ingrown toenails often heal with home care, but infections and repeat problems need a foot doctor. Prima CARE can treat the problem quickly and help prevent it from coming back.
Schedule an ingrown toenail visit with Prima CARE Podiatry and request an appointment through the Prima CARE patient portal, or find the Prima CARE Podiatry phone number on the locations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my ingrown toenail is infected?
Signs of infection include pus, warmth, increasing redness, swelling and pain that keeps getting worse.
Does ingrown toenail removal hurt?
Your provider numbs the toe first, so most people feel only pressure during the procedure.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
Trim your nails straight across, do not cut them too short, and wear shoes that give your toes enough room.
Where can I find an ingrown toenail doctor near me in Fall River, MA?
Prima CARE Podiatry is located at 289 Pleasant Street, Suite 202, in Fall River.
