When Should You See a Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail?

Are you experiencing pain, redness, or excess swelling around your toenail? While minor cases of ingrown toenails can sometimes be managed at home, seeing a foot and ankle specialist is important when symptoms worsen or if you have underlying health conditions. Delaying ingrown toenail treatment can lead to serious complications, such as infection. 

At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, we provide effective ingrown toenail removal and treatment to relieve pain and help prevent future issues. If you're dealing with a toenail growing into the skin or have thick toenails that are causing problems, call today to schedule an appointment. 

What causes an ingrown toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Common causes include improper toenail trimming, such as cutting them too short, which encourages the nail to grow into the skin. 

Tight-fitting shoes or socks can also contribute by compressing the toes and exerting pressure on the nail and surrounding tissue. Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it, can lead to ingrown toenails as well. 

In some cases, thick toenails or naturally curved nails increase the risk of getting this condition. 

Signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail 

Ingrown toenails can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected toenail. You may experience pain when pressure is applied to the toe or when wearing shoes. 

As the condition progresses, the surrounding skin may become red and inflamed, making it sensitive to touch. If you notice these symptoms, especially signs of infection, it's important to seek care promptly to prevent complications. 

How ingrown toenails are treated 

For mild cases, home care may provide relief. Soaking the foot in warm water, only wearing open-toed shoes, and keeping the area clean can help reduce discomfort. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, professional ingrown toenail treatment is necessary. 

At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, our team offers several options depending on the severity of the condition:  

• Lifting the nail: For less severe cases, the nail is gently lifted to allow it to grow above the skin. 
• Partial nail removal: The ingrown part of the toenail is removed to relieve pressure and pain. 
• Complete nail removal: If needed, we may recommend ingrown toenail removal. A local anesthetic is used to numb the toe, and the procedure takes less than ten minutes. A special solution may be applied to prevent the nail from growing back into the skin. 

These options provide immediate relief and help prevent the ingrown toenail from recurring. 

When to see a foot and ankle specialist 

You should see a medical specialist if you experience severe pain that doesn't improve with home care, signs of infection, increased redness, or fever, a toenail growing into the skin that's causing difficulty walking, or if you have diabetes, issues with circulation, or a compromised immune system. 

People with underlying conditions are at increased risk for serious infections that can spread beyond the toe. Even a minor ingrown toenail can become a major problem if left untreated. 

Find relief from ingrown toenails 

If you're dealing with a toenail growing into the skin, thick toenails, or signs of infection, Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, is here to help. Our foot and ankle specialists provide effective ingrown toenail treatment and ingrown toenail removal to relieve pain and prevent complications. Call today to schedule your appointment and get the care you need.