Understanding and Managing Ingrown Toenails: Insights from Align Foot & Ankle Clinic

Ingrown toenails might seem like a minor nuisance, but they can escalate into painful infections if not properly addressed. At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, we prioritize foot health and believe in educating our patients about common conditions like ingrown toenails. In this blog, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, prevention tips, and treatment options for ingrown toenails, offering insights and recommendations from Dr. Ho-Ellsworth.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails:

Ingrown toenails often manifest through a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Swelling and tenderness around the affected toenail, typically the big toe.
  • Redness and inflammation in the surrounding skin.
  • Pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes or applying pressure to the toe.
  • Pus or drainage in severe cases, indicating infection.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

Understanding the root causes of ingrown toenails can help in prevention. Common factors contributing to ingrown toenails include:

  • Improper toenail trimming: Cutting nails too short or at an angle can encourage them to grow into the surrounding skin.
  • Tight-fitting footwear: Shoes that compress the toes or have narrow toe boxes increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
  • Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural curvature of their nails.
  • Athletes face heightened risk of ingrown toenails from tight footwear and intense, high-impact movements.

Prevention Tips:

Preventing ingrown toenails involves adopting healthy foot care practices, such as:

  • Trim toenails straight across: Avoid rounding the corners to reduce the likelihood of ingrowth.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes: Opt for footwear with ample toe room to prevent pressure on the nails.
  • Steer clear of pedicures at nail salons! Even though it seems you get temporary relief,it’s not worth the risk of infection. 
  • Maintain good hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection. Explore our Tolcylen soak available at Align Foot & Ankle that is specialized to cleanse and rejuvenate your feet.

Treatment Options:

At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs:

  • If your ingrown toenail hasn’t progressed too far, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth might suggest non-surgical trimming and removal of the troublesome nail piece with minimal hassle.
  • In more advanced cases, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth may recommend a procedure under local anesthetic to remove the offending nail piece and eliminate the root of the ingrown nail using chemical treatments. The procedure is highly safe and painless, allowing you to walk in and out and resume normal activities. It is often covered by insurance. 
  • If the idea of a needle makes you uneasy, Align Foot & Ankle offers OnyFix Nail Correction System – a painless and effective solution for eliminating ingrown toenails. OnyFix utilizes a hardened composite material cured by LED light. This acts as a brace on the nail plate, ensuring correct nail growth and reshaping the pathway for new growth.

Ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable and even debilitating if left untreated. At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, our team is committed to providing effective solutions to alleviate your discomfort and promote foot health. Whether you’re experiencing mild symptoms or chronic ingrown toenails, we’re here to help you find relief and achieve optimal foot wellness. Don’t suffer in silence with the agony of ingrown toenails or resort to risky DIY methods and make an appointment with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth today!

Schedule an Appointment:

Dr Ho-Ellsworth has experience treating and preventing ingrown toenails for patients of all ages. She believes that surgery isn’t always the best option; her conservative approach and expertise make her a trusted podiatrist in the Austin area. She works with our patients to build the best treatment plans for their foot care needs. Don’t let ingrown toenails disrupt your daily life. Contact Align Foot & Ankle Clinic today at 512-882-4911 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth. 

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