What Does an Ingrown Toenail Look Like?

An ingrown toenail is one of the most common foot conditions podiatrists treat — but it can be surprisingly painful. So, what is an ingrown toenail, and what does it look like? It occurs when the edge of the toenail starts growing into the surrounding skin. The skin then becomes irritated and swollen, often resulting in pain, redness, and inflammation of the toe.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to even bigger problems like an infection. The good news? At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, our experienced team can provide ingrown toenail treatment so you can get back on your feet. Call now for an appointment and see an experienced professional today.

What is an ingrown toenail, and why does it happen?

So, what is an ingrown toenail? As mentioned, it happens when the edge of a toenail starts growing into the surrounding skin. This painful problem can be caused by factors like:

• Trimming your nails short or at an angle
• Wearing tight shoes that squeeze your toes
• Having thick or curved toenails
• Injuring your toe in some way, such as stubbing it or dropping something on it

Almost anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but some people are more at risk. If you have circulation issues, a weakened immune system, or diabetes, you’re more likely to deal with this issue.

Spotting an ingrown toenail

While it’s normal for toenails to be a bit sore from time to time, an ingrown toenail takes discomfort to the next level. Symptoms can include:

• A visible edge of the nail digging into the skin
• Swelling and inflammation of the toe
• Pain when pressure is applied to the toe
• Drainage or pus coming from under the nail bed

Not all symptoms show up right away, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in your toenails and feet. If you catch this common foot condition early enough, you may be able to treat it at home. If you see signs of infection or the pain becomes too much to handle, it’s best to see us for treatment right away.

Seeking professional ingrown toenail treatment

At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, we know how much ingrown toenails can disrupt life. Our Parker, CO, team can help you find relief fast. We may recommend the following:

• Gently lifting the curved toenail to help it grow above the skin
• Trimming and removing the painful ingrown section
• Removing the nail if necessary

If the nail needs to be removed, it’s a quick and easy process. The procedure can take less than ten minutes, and a special solution can be applied to help prevent the issue from happening again.

When will my toe appear normal again?

Healing times can differ, but most people start feeling relief soon after treatment. We can provide detailed information and advice for keeping the area clean and protected. You may need to wear special shoes or bandages to keep pressure off your toe for a short period. Our team will monitor your progress and offer extra care you might need.

Learn more about ingrown toenails

Whether you have a curved toenail causing pain or inflammation of the toe, don't let this common foot condition disrupt your life. At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, we provide ingrown toenail treatment to help you get back to doing the things you love. Call now for an appointment and let us help you find relief in Parker, CO.