Ingrown Toenail Doctors in Waxahachie, Corsicana & Ennis, TX
The Ingrown Toenail Specialists
Do you or a loved one have a painful ingrown toenail? If yes, you have come to the right place. The podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers are truly ingrown toenail specialists and have removed over 10,000 ingrown toenails. That is a lot of happy patients.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin. This most commonly happens on the big toenails, but any toe can be affected. An ingrown toenail can get infected. Once the skin is pierced by the toenail, infection may soon follow.
What are the symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail?
The early-stage symptoms of an ingrown toenail are recognized by:
- Tenderness, hardening and even swelling of the skin next to the ingrowing nail.
- Pain on the side of the toenail, especially in shoes.
- Slight swelling on the side of the toe where the toenail pierces the skin.
If the toe gets infected, then you may notice pain, swelling and redness of the skin. Bleeding from the infected site is also common. In severe cases, yellowish fluid (puss) can also ooze out of the infected area.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail can have a number of different causes.
- Incorrect toenail trimming- toenails should be cut straight across and not too short.
- Genetics- ingrown toenails can run in families.
- Tight shoes- pressure from shoes push the edge of the skin into the toenail.
- Trauma- you can get an ingrown toenail if you hurt your toe. Dropping something on the toe or stubbing it can impact the nail.
- Poor pedicurist- don’t let a pedicurist dig at your toenail. They are not doctors. We have literally treated hundreds of infected ingrown toenails from nail salons. Your pedicure should be comfortable and enjoyable. If your pedicure is painful, tell them to STOP and find another salon.
What are some home treatments?
You can try the following steps at home to relieve the pain caused by your ingrown toenail and help it grow out. If you have diabetes or poor circulation do not attempt home treatment but call your podiatrist:
- Soak your sore toe in warm water mixed in Epson salt for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day.
- Wedge cotton ball, under the ingrown corner of your nail to help lift the nail off of the skin as it grows out.
- Apply topical antibiotic, such as polysporin, to the affected area and wear a loose fitting, clean sock
- Avoid digging into the toe. Ingrown toenails easily become infected.
- Wear soft, loose, comfortable shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on your toe.
Use these home treatment steps for 3 days. If they do not help, you might need to see your doctor. Be sure to see a doctor if your toe gets infected. Your toe might be infected if it hurts more than it did before you tried the home treatment. Call your doctor if your toe is red, warm, swollen, or drains pus, or if there are red streaks leading from your toe.
How does the foot doctor treat an ingrown toenail?
The foot specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers are your ingrown toenail experts. After making sure your toe is numb, the painful ingrown toenail border is painlessly removed. In just a few minutes the procedure is done and you are walking out the office door. Remember, we have performed over 10,000 ingrown procedures. That is a lot of toes!
If you have a history of ingrowing toenails, your foot doctor may apply a Q-tip with a acid where the nail was removed. This stops the root from making the corner of the nail that grows into the skin. What a great procedure!
Ingrown Toenail Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
Symptoms may include pain on one or both sides of the toenail. Redness and swelling are also common findings.
Which toenails are most likely to become ingrown?
The big toenails are affected most often, although any toenail can become ingrown.
Can tight shoes cause ingrown toneails?
Yes. shoes that are not wide enough can press the toenail into the surrounding skin. Choose shoes that provide enough room for your toes, particularly for exercise and activities that repeatedly push the toes against the end and sides of the shoe.
Can cutting my toenails incorrectly cause them?
Yes. Cutting toenails too short, rounding the corners or digging down the sides can leave a sharp nail edge that grows into or pierces the skin. Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting them shorter than the tip of the toe.
Are ingrown toenails hereditary?
They most certainly can be. Some people inherit toenails that are too curved, wide or thick, making them more likely to grow into the skin. Proper nail trimming and correct fitting shoes can reduce the risk but may not prevent every occurrence.
Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own?
A mild case may improve if the pressure is removed and the nail is allowed to grow out beyond the skin fold. An ingrown toenail that is very painful, infected, worsening or repeatedly returning should be evaluated by our podiatrists. Ingrown toenails can permanently be corrected.
When should I see a podiatrist?
Schedule an appointment if pain is significant, symptoms are worsening, drainage or pus is present, redness is spreading, home care has not helped or the problem keeps returning. Immediately call the podiatrist if you have diabetes, poor circulation, numbness in your feet or any Should I try to cut out the ingrown portion myself?
What happens during an ingrown-toenail procedure?
The toe is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. The podiatrist then removes the narrow edge of nail that is pressing into the skin. When appropriate, the nail root beneath that edge may also be treated to reduce the chance that the ingrown toenail returns. A small dressing is applied before you leave the office.
Is the procedure painful?
You may briefly feel pressure or a stinging sensation while the anesthetic is given to numb the toe. Once the toe is numb, you should not feel any pain during the procedure which takes just a few minutes. Some tenderness can occur in the toe after the numbness wears off in a few hours but this is usually mild.
How is the toe numbed for an ingrown toenail procedure?
A local anesthetic is injected near the base of the toe. Sounds painful but most patients experience little discomfort during the numbing. The podiatrist waits for the toe to become fully numb and checks the area before beginning treatment.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself is usually pretty brief lasting only a few minutes. It takes about 5 minutes for the anesthetic to work and the toe to become numb so you don’t feel the procedure. Afterwards, toe toe is dressed and aftercare instructions are reviewed.
Will the entire toenail need to be removed?
Usually not. In most cases, only the narrow ingrown edge needs to be removed. The best approach depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail, the shape of the nail, and other factors.
Can the ingrown portion be permanently prevented from growing back?
Often, yes. For an ingrown toenail that consistently grows into the skin. The procedure is called a matrixectomy, which treats the cells that make the toenail beneath the problem edge. This greatly reduces the chance that the same toenail portion will regrow in the future. No procedure can guarantee that recurrence will never occur but a matrixectomy has been a very successful procedure in our offices.
Are antibiotics necessary?
Occasionally but not always. Removing the nail edge causing the irritation is the most important treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed when there are signs of spreading infection or if there are other clinical concerns.
Can an infected ingrown toenail be treated during the same appointment?
In many cases, the offending nail edge can be treated even when infection or drainage is present. The podiatrist will first evaluate the severity of the ingrown toenail and infection and determine the appropriate treatment to get you pain free.
Can I walk after the procedure?
Yes, patients can walk out of the office and perform light daily activities on the same day of the procedure. We ask that you limit unnecessary walking and any activities that cause pain in the toe on the day of the procedure.
When can I return to work or school?
Many people return to work the same day or the following day, particularly for jobs that mostly involve sitting. Jobs that require prolonged standing, heavy labor or special footwear may require a little additional time for healing but most patients return the same day or next.
How soon can I wear regular shoes?
We recommend wearing a sandel or roomy shoe that does not press on the tender area. Many patients transition back to regular shoes within a couple of days, but timing depends on soreness, swelling and the type of procedure performed.
Will the toenail look normal after it heals?
After removal of only the nail edge, the nail usually appears slightly narrower. Sometimes it can be noticeable and other times not noticeable at all. If the matrix nail growth cells were treated, that edge generally does not grow back at all. Most patients find the healed appearance cosmetically acceptable, but results vary with the original nail shape and any prior damage.
How can I prevent another ingrown toenail?
Trim toenails straight across, avoid cutting them too short and do not dig down the corners. Wear shoes with enough room for the toes, protect your feet from injury and address unusually thick or curved nails with help from a podiatrist.
What is the correct way to trim toenails?
Cut the nail straight across and leave it approximately even with the tip of the toe. Smooth sharp edges gently with a file, but do not round the corners deeply or cut the toenail down the sides. When getting a pedicure, ensure that the pedicurist does not cut the corners deeply. This can lead to pain and infection.
What are the signs that an ingrown toenail is infected?
Possible signs include increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus or drainage. Sometimes the redness can spread beyond the sides of the toenail and move toward the foot. Fever, chills or red streaks require immediate medical attention.
Can children and teenagers get ingrown toenails?
Yes. Ingrown toenails are common in children and teenagers, particularly when toenails are trimmed too short, shoes are tight or sports place repeated pressure on the toes. A podiatrist can recommend age-appropriate treatment and how to prevent further ingrown toenails.
Why does my ingrown toenail keep coming back?
Recurrence may be caused by a naturally curved nail, pressure from shoes, repeated injury, improper trimming or a small nail fragment left along the edge of the toenail. If the same border repeatedly becomes ingrown, a procedure that treats the nail root may provide a permanent solution.
Do I need a referral to have an ingrown toenail treated?
Many insurance plans allow patients to see our podiatrists without a referral, but some plans require one. We will contact your insurance company before the visit.
Does insurance cover ingrown-toenail treatment?
Yes, health plans cover medically necessary evaluation and treatment, subject to the plan’s deductible, copayment, coinsurance, referral and network rules. Coverage cannot be guaranteed until your individual benefits are reviewed. We will perform a complimentary insurance check for you before your visit/treatment.
Which of your office locations treat ingrown toenails?
Our podiatrists evaluate and treat ingrown toenails at all three of our locations in Waxahachie, Ennis and Corsicana, TX. Please contact our office and we will schedule you at the location most convenient for you.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Appointment availability varies, but a painful or infected ingrown toenail should be addressed promptly. Call our office and describe your symptoms so our team can help identify the earliest appropriate appointment. Same-day appointments may be available.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for an examination or individualized medical advice. Contact a qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your condition. Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, fever, red streaking, severe pain or rapidly worsening symptoms. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or impaired immunity should contact a healthcare professional promptly for any new foot wound, infection or ingrown toenail.
Experience Our Award-Winning Care for an Ingrown Toenails in Waxahachie, Corsicana & Ennis, TX Today!
Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 972-597-4132 or by clicking here to use our convenient online form. We offer same-day appointments and have bilingual Spanish-speaking professionals on staff for your convenience. During your appointment, our team will be happy to answer all your questions about our treatments, our office, our flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us! Call today – we can’t wait to help you live your life pain-free!
As the premier podiatry centers in Waxahachie, Corsicana and Ennis, TX, our foot doctors and team at Family Foot & Ankle Centers also provide 5-star podiatry care to patients in our surrounding areas. We proudly serve patients in Navarro and Ellis counties and surrounding areas including Red Oak, Midlothian, Desoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Arlington and Mansfield. The Foot Specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers are improving lives one foot at a time.