Typically affecting the big toe, ingrown toenails form when the side of the nail grows into the fleshy area near the cuticle. This issue often happens due to injury or pressure from wearing ill-fitting footwear. To determine what to do next, below are a few common symptoms associated with ingrown nails and a brief exploration of treatment options.

What Do Ingrown Toenails Look Like?

When the edge of the nail grows into the flesh, it creates a small puncture. Swelling and redness along the side of the toe often accompany this puncture. You could experience a shooting pain when walking or when something grazes the ingrown toenail. If bacteria get inside the wound, it could lead to infection, possibly also affecting the bone. In addition to pain, the area might feel warm, and blood or pus might seep from the wound. 

How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail

Regardless of the severity of the ingrown toenail, you should seek out a podiatrist for treatment. By trying to remove the ingrown nail at home, you risk cutting too deep into the tissue. A foot doctor might lift the nail and place a splint underneath. This process separates the nail from the tissue and urges it to grow in the right direction. If the toe is infected, they might remove part of the nail using a local anesthetic to numb the area. If you experience ingrown toenails frequently, they might recommend removing part of the nail as well as the nail bed as a permanent solution.

If an ingrown toenail is causing you pain and discomfort, contact St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samual T. Wood-DPM before the condition worsens. Serving patients in Missouri’s St. Louis and St. Charles counties, these podiatrists have over 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails as well as bunions, plantar warts, and other foot conditions. To schedule an appointment in St. Peters, call (636) 720-0190 or dial (314) 921-1020 to connect with the Florissant office. Visit the clinic online for a list of issues the team treats.