What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows sideways into the soft tissue instead of straight outward. The pressure irritates the skin, causing inflammation and discomfort.
Although it can affect any toe, it most often develops in the big toe. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen over time and lead to infection or chronic pain.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail. Knowing these causes can help you take preventive steps.

• Improper nail trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the skin.
• Tight or ill-fitting shoes: Footwear that squeezes the toes or puts constant pressure on the toenail can cause it to embed in the skin.
• Toe injuries: Stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object can damage the nail’s growth pattern.
• Genetics: Some individuals naturally have more curved toenails, making them more prone to ingrown toenails.
• Foot hygiene and sweating: Moist environments soften the skin and promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of ingrown toenails.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Early detection makes treatment easier and helps prevent complications. Symptoms vary in severity:

• Mild: Redness, tenderness, and slight swelling along the nail edge.
• Moderate: Increasing pain when walking or touching the toe.
• Severe: Pus, drainage, warmth, and spreading redness — signs of infection that may include fever or worsening inflammation.

Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

For mild cases, you can manage discomfort at home with these simple steps:

• Warm water and Epsom salt soak: Soak your foot for 15–20 minutes, two to three times daily. This softens the skin, reduces inflammation, and eases pressure.
• Gently lift the nail: Place a small piece of sterile cotton or dental floss under the nail edge to guide it to grow above the skin (temporary relief only). If you have significant pain or drainage, don’t attempt to lift the nail. 
• Wear roomy shoes or sandals: Avoid tight footwear that adds pressure to the affected area.
• Apply antibiotic cream: Prevent infection if the skin is irritated or broken.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce discomfort and swelling.

If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for further evaluation.

When to See a Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail

Some ingrown toenails require professional treatment to heal properly. Seek medical care if:

• You experience severe pain, pus, or spreading redness.
• Home remedies haven’t helped after several days.
• You have diabetes or poor circulation, which increases your risk of complications and infection.

Early intervention from a podiatrist at Texas Foot & Ankle Center ensures faster healing and helps prevent the problem from recurring.

Professional Treatment Options

When conservative care isn’t enough, your podiatrist may recommend one of these procedures:

• Partial nail removal: Removes the ingrown edge to relieve pressure and allow the area to heal.
• Full toenail removal: Used for chronic or severely infected nails.
• Laser or chemical treatments: May be performed to prevent regrowth of the problematic portion of the nail.

Our skilled team at Texas Foot & Ankle Center provides safe, effective ingrown toenail treatments designed for long-term relief.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Healthy nail care habits can reduce the risk of future ingrown toenails:

• Trim nails correctly: Cut straight across and avoid rounding the edges.
• Choose well-fitted shoes: Ensure your shoes have enough toe room and avoid narrow styles.
• Keep feet clean and dry: Proper hygiene prevents bacterial buildup and skin irritation.
• Avoid picking or tearing nails: Always use clean nail clippers for trimming.

Simple preventive care can go a long way toward keeping your feet healthy and pain-free.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Ingrown toenails can make even simple activities uncomfortable, but with early treatment and proper care, you can quickly find relief. Understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies empowers you to take charge of your foot health.

If you’re dealing with persistent pain from an ingrown toenail, contact Texas Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule an appointment. Our podiatry specialists will provide personalized care to help you heal and get back on your feet comfortably.