By ignoring or trying to treat an ingrown toenail on your own, it can lead to a serious and incredibly painful infection. Before your ingrown toenail progresses any further, book an exam at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists, located in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Click the online scheduler, or call the office to book your ingrown toenail evaluation with one of the board-certified podiatrists today.
request an appointmentWhy do I get ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails form when your nail starts digging into the delicate skin around your toenail as it gradually grows. This cuts and irritates your skin and leaves you open to infection. In many cases, ingrown toenails develop because of improper toenail cutting.
For instance, if you trim your toenails too short or round out the edges — they’re supposed to be cut straight across — your toenails can become ingrown. Your risk of developing an ingrown toenail also increases if you:
- Have an injury, like stubbing your toe
- Have abnormally curved toenails
- Wear snug-fitting shoes
Because of decreased blood flow in your feet, particularly in your toes, an ingrown toenail is never something you should try to treat on your own. A dedicated podiatrist can treat your ingrown toenail on the spot and help you learn to prevent future issues.
Do I need to see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?
Yes! At Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists, the podiatry team encourages you to schedule an evaluation at the first sign of an ingrown toenail. You need ingrown toenail treatment right away if you experience any of the following issues with any of your toenails:
- Oozing
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
These symptoms can occur on one or both sides of your toenail. Even if your ingrown toenail symptoms seem minor, it’s important to have professional treatment, since a severe ingrown toenail infection can lead to a serious bone infection.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
The caring podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists offer in-office treatments for ingrown toenails, so you can expect effective relief. Treating an ingrown toenail involves removing the ingrown part of your toenail and treating any underlying infection directly.
To do this, your dedicated podiatrist is likely going to numb your toe with an injection. They trim away the ingrown part of your nail, or if you continue getting ingrown toenails due to your nail shape, they may remove your nail entirely.
Once your ingrown toenail is treated, your podiatrist at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists shows you how to properly trim your nails at home to help reduce your risk of future ingrown toenails.
Schedule your ingrown toenail examination at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists by clicking the online booking feature. You can also call to speak with a team member directly.