Ingrown Toenail
What Exactly Is
an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the sides and corners of a toenail grow and dig into the flesh surrounding the nail. It most commonly occurs in the big toe.
It is a fairly common condition that can oftentimes be treated at home with a doctor's advice. However, infections, pre-existing conditions, or leaving an ingrown nail untreated for too long can necessitate medical intervention by a foot specialist.
Why You Need to Treat an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail can cause serious pain and discomfort. There are both initial symptoms, and infection symptoms that present when an ingrown nail is left untreated.
With a simple visit to our Escondido office, our podiatrists can diagnose you with an ingrown toenail by evaluating the following symptoms:
Initial Symptoms
- Skin swelling, tenderness,
or hardening - Pain when pressure is placed
on the toe - Fluid buildup around the nail
Infection Symptoms
- Redness and severe swelling
- Intense pain
- Bleeding
- Oozing pus
- Skin overgrowth
You are at risk of more dangerous complications and worse outcomes if you happen to have diabetes, nerve damage, or another medical condition that cuts off blood circulation.
Fix Your Toenail Today Easy Care in Escondido
When your toenail becomes ingrown, you need doctors who have real expertise in diagnosing and treating feet. Both of our doctors are members of The American Podiatric Medical Association, The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and The American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Jason Morris is a podiatric foot and ankle specialist with board certification in rearfoot and forefoot reconstructive surgery. He has worked at UCLA Medical Center and Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, which have both been ranked among the top 6 hospitals in America. Dr. Avanti Redkar attended podiatry school at the renowned New York College of Podiatric Medicine, which is the oldest podiatric medical school in America. Her excellent work led to her being featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s prestigious Top Doctors list.
To take care of your ingrown toenail with doctors you can trust, call or contact us today.
(760)745-1226
A Premier Podiatrist Here in Escondido, CA
Hope Gillespie
2022
After 2 years of major foot pain and seeing other doctors I almost gave up on ever being pain free from plantar fasciitis. I tried everything the other doctors were advising me to do and nothing was working. I couldn’t take another Cortizone shot and was about to just come to terms I would have this pain forever. Then I was referred to Dr Morris. Let me tell you, he was absolutely a God send. He went about my treatment in a way that the others did not and yes it was a long haul, but it worked!!! I am 100% pain free and back to normal activities with no pain. Never thought I’d see this day. He is absolutely amazing and is such a nice and personable Dr. And his staff, Irma, Tisha, and Donald were all so nice and very helpful throughout the whole process. Always a pleasure when I went in and very quick to address any needs I had. I highly recommend Dr Morris and his staff, so Great grateful someone recommended him. PS, no surgery needed!!
View on GoogleTim Eickhoff
2021
While vacationing in Escondido, I began experiencing sharp pains in my right foot. I thought about dealing with the discomfort until I returned home, but the pain became unbearable. I was not too familiar with the area, so I did the best research I could online trying to determine where to schedule my appointment. I discovered North County Foot & Ankle and could not have been more pleased with the results. Not only were they able to schedule me for a same-day appointment, but I was seen by Dr. Morris at the time of my appointment (no delays!). The facilities were welcoming and I was warmly greeted at the office by their staff. Dr. Morris was able to give me a confident diagnosis and assure me it would not be long before I could go hiking again. I really enjoyed my experience and would only wish I did not have to travel out of town to see Dr. Morris again.
View on GoogleCauses of an Ingrown Toenail
There are various factors that can lead to an ingrown toenail, including:
Heredity
In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is inherited. An example of genetic predisposition leading to ingrown nails is naturally having irregular, curved toenails.
Trauma
Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running.
Unhealthy Foot Hygiene
An example of poor hygiene that can lead to an ingrown nail is not keeping your feet clean or dry.
Nail Conditions
Ingrown toenails can be caused by nail problems, such as fungal infections or losing a nail due to trauma.
Improper Trimming
The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short. This encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail.
Improperly Sized Footwear
Ingrown toenails can result from wearing socks and shoes that are tight or short.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
After examining the toe, your foot and ankle surgeon will select the treatment best suited for you.
Home Care
If you do not have an infection or any relevant medical conditions, you can soak your foot in room-temperature water (adding Epsom salt may be recommended by our doctors) and gently massage the side of the nail fold to help reduce the inflammation.
Avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. If your symptoms fail to improve, it is time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.
Physician Care
If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic. In some cases, the best course of treatment is minor surgery to remove the problem toenail at our Escondido office.
After applying a local anesthetic, the doctor removes part of the nail’s side border. Some nails may become ingrown again, requiring removal of the nail root. Following the procedure, a light bandage is applied. Most people experience very little pain after surgery and resume normal activity the next day. Be sure to follow your physician's medical prescriptions even if your symptoms have improved.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by a couple simple behaviors:
Proper Trimming
There are two keys to proper trimming. Cutting toenails in a fairly straight line, and not cutting them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of the nail. Many cut their nails in a shape to match the curve of their toes, or remove too much nail. While these behaviors may seem aesthetically pleasing, they can actually lead to ingrown toenails.
Well-Fitting Shoes and Socks
Certain shoes and socks can cause excessive pressure on your big toes. When it comes to socks, the key is avoiding pairs that are too tight. Regarding shoes, you should not wear shoes that are short or tight in the toe area. You should also avoid shoes that are loose because they too cause pressure on the toes, especially when running or walking briskly.
A Popular Podiatrist for a Reason Enhance Your Health in Escondido, CA
Martha Bruning
2021
I was hoping to find a female Podiatrist. I had a bad experience locally. One of my doctors recommended this practice. The first appointment available was with Dr. Redkar. I was pleasantly surprised the doctor was female. I have has several appointments and she is professional, listens to all my concerns and problems. She explains everything to me nicely and makes everything understandable and gentle treatment. I am so glad this practice was recommended to me and I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to be treated respectfully.
View on GoogleJamilah N. McCluney
2021
I have flat feet and have suffered from plantar fasciitis for years. I finally decided to seek help after the pain in both feet became excruciating to walk and stand. I was prescribed orthotics from a previous podiatrist and felt no relief. *Enter North County Foot & Ankle Specialists here* After meeting Dr. Avanti Redkar and complaining to her about my issues, she knew exactly what I needed. She immediately got me in for treatment and walked me through everything I would need to do to ensure I had successful long term effects. For the first time in over 20 years, I wake up and walk completely pain free. I had become so accustomed to living with the pain, I never imagined my life without it, until now. My only regret is that I didn't find Dr. Redkar sooner!
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