Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can affect people of all ages and are a common condition. Fortunately, Kaveh Panahi, DPM, at Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons, offers helpful ingrown toenail care for patients in Peoria and Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding areas. The practice makes same-day or next-day appointments for patients with painful ingrown toenails or infections and offers convenient treatments and expert advice on preventive care. Call the friendly staff today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

What are ingrown toenails? 

Ingrown toenails result when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. This can be painful and lead to an infection. 

Incorrectly cut toenails, tight shoe gear, fungal infections, or injuries can cause ingrown toenails. 

You may be at higher risk for ingrown toenails if you have diabetes, severe nerve damage in your leg or foot, or poor blood circulation.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails? 

A mild ingrown toenail may feel hard and swollen. If the nail grows into your skin or the skin grows over your nail edge, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. If you have an infection,  you may experience symptoms, including: 

• Pain
• Redness or darkening of the area
• Swelling
• Pus coming out of your toe
• Warmth or heat around your toe 

If you’re healthy, complications are less likely, and treatment can alleviate pain. In rare, chronic cases, an ingrown toenail infection can spread through your toe and into your bone —  this requires immediate attention. 

What are treatments for ingrown toenails? 

Dr. Panahi may first recommend soaking your foot with the ingrown toenail in warm water three to four times a day. You should otherwise keep it dry. If soaking — along with pain medication and comfortable shoes — doesn’t improve your condition, he may encourage you to come in for a minor procedure. 

Dr. Panahi typically treats ingrown toenails by simply removing the troublesome nail borders. He performs this in-office procedure with the use of numbing medications.

If you have an infection, he prescribes you a course of antibiotics prior to removing the nail borders. If needed, he may encourage a nail restoration treatment procedure.

He can also further address any underlying issues, such as fungal infections, and offers antifungal treatment medications, if needed. 

In order to maintain beautiful and healthy toenails, Dr. Panahi may recommend at-home preventive measures, such as:

• Properly trimming your toenails 
• Keeping toenails at a moderate length
• Wearing shoes that fit properly 
• Protective footwear
• Daily foot checks (especially if you have diabetes) 

To alleviate painful ingrown toenails, call Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons today or schedule an appointment online.