Foot and Ankle Care

Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails can significantly impact comfort and mobility, but effective treatments are available at Modern Foot & Ankle. Whether you’re seeking relief from a mild case or require surgery for a recurring issue, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options and to begin your path to healthier, pain-free feet.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the skin beside it, often causing discomfort and infection. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe and can arise from improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, trauma, or genetics. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to severe pain, infection, and complications affecting daily mobility and comfort.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
Typical symptoms include:

Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
Redness and swelling of the surrounding skin
Drainage or signs of infection, such as odor
Thickened or raised skin tissue around the nail, known as “proud flesh”

Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Some common causes are improper nail trimming, shoe pressure, and hereditary factors. Trauma to the feet from activities like running or stubbing the toe can also contribute. Understanding the cause of an ingrown toenail is key to effective treatment and prevention.

Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

At Modern Foot & Ankle, we offer a range of treatments based on the severity of the ingrown toenail, including both conservative and surgical options.

Conservative Treatment Options
Conservative care is often ideal for mild cases, focusing on lifestyle adjustments and temporary pain relief:

Footwear Changes: Wearing roomier shoes with a wide toe box can reduce pressure on the toes, preventing the nail from pressing into the skin.
Topical Treatments: Nail-softening products, creams, and gels can ease the pressure and pain associated with ingrown toenails.
Antibiotics: For infected ingrown toenails, antibiotics may be prescribed to control infection and reduce swelling.
Padding and Bandages: Over-the-counter padding placed near the nail can offer temporary relief, protecting the area from further irritation.

Benefits and Limitations of Conservative Treatments
While conservative methods can relieve symptoms, they do not cure the underlying cause. For recurring or infected cases, a more permanent solution may be required.

 

Surgical Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

In cases where conservative treatments prove insufficient, Modern Foot & Ankle offers minimally invasive surgical options performed conveniently in our office.

Partial Nail Avulsion
Our skilled providers can remove only the ingrown portion of the nail while sparing the rest of the nail for a more natural appearance. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with patients generally able to walk immediately afterward.

Permanent Edge Removal
In some cases, a chemical agent is applied to the nail bed to prevent regrowth of the ingrown edge, offering a long-term solution. This technique effectively prevents recurrence, allowing patients to resume normal activities with minimal risk of the nail growing into the skin again.

Pros and Cons of Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment offers quick relief and long-term prevention but may require a short recovery period. Patients typically return to full activity within days, and the risk of recurrence is greatly minimized with this approach.

Why Choose Modern Foot & Ankle for Ingrown Toenail Treatment?

When it comes to effective ingrown toenail treatment, Modern Foot & Ankle stands out for our specialized expertise, advanced treatment options, and commitment to patient satisfaction.

Expertise in Toenail Care
Our podiatrists specialize in managing ingrown toenails and related foot conditions. Whether it’s a simple or complex case, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to deliver effective solutions tailored to your needs.

Personalized Treatment Plans
Every case of ingrown toenail is unique, and our approach reflects that. We consider each patient’s lifestyle, health history, and specific symptoms to create a personalized treatment plan focused on comfort and prevention.

Comprehensive Aftercare and Education
From proper nail trimming techniques to footwear recommendations, we provide patients with the tools to maintain foot health and prevent recurrence. Our commitment to education empowers you to take control of your foot health.

Insurance Assistance and Financial Guidance
Understanding insurance coverage can be challenging, and our team is here to help. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary treatments, including for painful or infected ingrown toenails. We assist patients in navigating their benefits to maximize coverage and manage out-of-pocket expenses.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that cause pain and discomfort.

Long Toe

Relieve pain from long toes with expert care and customized treatment options at Modern Foot & Ankle.

Foot Stress Fracture

Treat foot stress fractures with expert care to alleviate pain, speed recovery, and prevent recurrence.

Athlete's Foot

Professional diagnosis and treatment for athlete’s foot, using personalized care to eliminate symptoms, prevent recurrence, and promote long-term foot health.

Visit One of Our Locations for ​Ingrown Toenail

FAQs of Modern Foot & Ankle

Stay informed by reviewing some of our patients frequently asked questions about what to expect when visiting one of our Florida or Texas foot and ankle care offices. Contact the office directly if you need further assistance. We’re here to help!

Modern Foot & Ankle offers a wide range of podiatry services including foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine, pediatric foot care, wound care, orthotics, and more. They also provide specialized treatments for conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and ingrown toenails among others.

To schedule an appointment, you can call the clinic directly or fill out the appointment request form available on their website. They have multiple locations, so you can choose the one that’s most convenient for you.

During your first visit, the podiatrist will conduct a thorough examination, discuss your medical history, and address any concerns or symptoms you may have. They will then develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Yes, the podiatrists at Modern Foot & Ankle are skilled in performing a variety of foot and ankle surgeries. These include procedures for bunions, hammertoes, fractures, and more. They utilize the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Modern Foot & Ankle is committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality podiatric care. They believe in a patient-centered approach, where the focus is on educating patients about their condition and treatment options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care.

Modern Foot & Ankle accepts a variety of insurance plans. It’s recommended to check with the clinic directly or with your insurance provider to confirm coverage before scheduling an appointment.