Ingrown Toenail

Eastside Foot & Ankle

Podiatrists & Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Portland, OR, Gresham, OR & Beaverton, OR

Each year, millions of Americans suffer from painful ingrown toenails. At Eastside Foot & Ankle in Portland and Gresham, Oregon, you can receive the care you need to get rid of stubborn ingrown toenails. Timothy J. Mineo, DPM, can determine what's causing your foot problems and help you choose the treatment that's right for you. If you're living with ingrown toenails, quality podiatric care can resolve your symptoms. Call either office today or book an appointment online.

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are a common cause of foot pain. Healthy toenails grow straight out, where they can be easily cut, trimmed, or filed.

However, sometimes your toenail may grow into the soft tissue around the sides of the nail bed. This condition is known as an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails can trigger pain, swelling, and even infection.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Some cases of ingrown toenails are caused by poorly fitted footwear. Wearing shoes that crowd your toes can cause many painful foot problems. Women who wear tight or pointed high-heeled shoes are at an especially high risk for ingrown toenails.

People with diabetes are particularly likely to suffer from ingrown toenails. Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your legs and make you more vulnerable to infection.

If you have diabetes and you notice an ingrown toenail, it's essential to see a podiatrist right away. Prompt treatment can help prevent a serious infection.

What are the symptoms of an infected toenail?

Some ingrown toenails resolve on their own without professional care. But if your toenail is painful or seems infected, it's time to see a podiatrist. Symptoms of infection include:

Redness
Swelling
Pus or drainage
Severe pain

The experts at Eastside Foot & Ankle can examine your feet to determine what's causing your pain. If you have an ingrown toenail that requires special care, they can help you review your treatment options.

What methods treat ingrown toenails?

The Eastside Foot & Ankle team may suggest at-home treatments. You can sometimes treat an ingrown toenail by soaking your foot in warm water 3-4 times each day. Wearing comfortable, properly fitted shoes also gives your toenail the space it needs to heal.

If your ingrown toenail becomes infected, you may need antibiotics or surgery to remove the toenail. Surgery can help prevent your ingrown toenail from recurring. It can be an excellent treatment option for people who are prone to ingrown toenails.

People with diabetes may need special care to keep their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and you suspect an ingrown toenail, contact Eastside Foot & Ankle right away.

Delaying treatment may put you at risk for a dangerous infection, but the podiatrists at the practice can provide the care you need to prevent complications. Call Eastside Foot & Ankle today or book an appointment online.

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