Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails aren’t just annoying –– if you have diabetes or another condition that affects circulation to your feet, they may increase your risk of infection or gangrene. At his practice in the Randall Manor neighborhood of Staten Island, New York, Aluko O. Jervis, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails. He takes a holistic approach, emphasizing noninvasive, pain-free treatments. Call the New York City area office to request an ingrown toenail consultation today, or book an appointment online.

What are ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when your nail grows into the skin surrounding your nail bed instead of away from your toe. Almost everyone experiences an ingrown nail sometime during their life. Most improve with at-home treatments, but if your symptoms affect your mobility or quality of life, it’s crucial to seek professional help.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Symptoms of ingrown toenails include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Inflamed skin
• Swelling
• Redness

As the nail grows further into your skin, you may develop an infection.

Who is at risk of having ingrown toenails?

Several things may increase your risk of ingrown toenails, including:

• Wearing shoes that squeeze your toes together
• Having a medical condition, like diabetes, that causes poor blood flow
• Playing sports that involve running or kicking
• Not trimming your nails regularly

Trimming your toenails at an angle instead of straight across can also increase your risk of ingrown nails.  

Should I see a podiatrist about ingrown toenails?

Make an appointment with Dr. Jervis if you have an ingrown toenail and experience toe pain or inflammation that gets progressively worse. That’s especially true if you have a medical condition that affects blood flow to your feet, increasing your risk of infection.

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

Dr. Jervis reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the ingrown nail and what the pain feels like. Next, he examines your affected toe and toenail, checking for redness, swelling, or signs of infection, like oozing pus. 

Dr. Jervis might order X-rays to see how far the nail grows into your skin and to determine if the infection extends to your surrounding bone.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Treatment of ingrown toenails depends on your health history and whether your nail is infected. Dr. Jervis might recommend:

• Lifting the nail so it grows over your skin and away from your toe
• Taping the nail so it grows alongside your skin
• Placing a gutter splint under the nail to relieve pain and inflammation
• Partially removing the nail 

If you regularly experience ingrown toenails, and conservative treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Jervis might recommend removing the nail entirely, which prevents it from growing back.

Call Aluko O. Jervis, DPM, to receive treatment for ingrown toenails today or book an appointment online.