By Fords Foot and Ankle Care – Fords, NJ
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common—and painful—foot conditions we treat at Fords Foot and Ankle Care. Though they may seem minor at first, untreated ingrown toenails can lead to serious infections, persistent discomfort, and even impact your mobility. Fortunately, expert help is just around the corner.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This often causes redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes infection. While any toe can be affected, the big toe is most commonly involved.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Several factors may contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail, including:
- Improper trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Footwear issues: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toes, pushing nails into the surrounding skin.
- Injury: Trauma to the toenail, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something on it.
- Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency for curved nails.
- Poor foot hygiene or fungal infections: These can thicken the nail or cause inflammation.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
- Redness and swelling
- Warmth around the toe
- Pus or drainage (a sign of infection)
- Difficulty wearing shoes or walking
Treatment Options at Fords Foot and Ankle Care
At Fords Foot and Ankle Care, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Depending on severity, we offer:
✅ Conservative Treatment
- Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water or Epsom salts
- Applying antibiotic ointment
- Proper nail trimming techniques
- Protective padding
✅ In-Office Procedures
- Partial Nail Avulsion: A portion of the nail is removed to relieve pressure and allow healing.
- Matrixectomy: For chronic cases, we may permanently remove the nail’s root to prevent recurrence.
- Antibiotic management if an infection is present.
All procedures are performed in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment using local anesthesia.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Prevention is often easier than treatment. We recommend the following:
- Trim nails straight across, not rounded
- Avoid cutting nails too short
- Wear well-fitting shoes with adequate toe space
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Visit a podiatrist at the first sign of discomfort
🦶 Q&A: Ingrown Toenails
Q: Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
A: Mild cases can often be managed with warm foot soaks, antibiotic ointment, and gentle lifting of the nail edge. However, if there is pain, swelling, or signs of infection, seek professional care.
Q: How long does it take to heal after a nail procedure?
A: Most patients experience relief within 24–48 hours, and full healing typically occurs within 2–3 weeks, depending on the treatment performed.
Q: Will the nail grow back after removal?
A: If only part of the nail is removed, it usually grows back. If a matrixectomy is performed, that section of the nail is permanently removed and will not regrow.
Q: Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?
A: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment. Any post-procedure discomfort is generally mild and manageable with over-the-counter medications.
Q: Are ingrown toenails a sign of another health issue?
A: Sometimes. Recurrent ingrown nails may be linked to fungal infections, poor circulation, or underlying conditions such as diabetes. We offer diabetic foot care to address these concerns.
Trust Your Feet to Fords Foot and Ankle Care
If you’re dealing with the discomfort of an ingrown toenail—or want to prevent one—our expert team is here to help. Prompt treatment not only relieves pain but also prevents complications like infection or nail deformity.
📍 Fords Foot and Ankle Care
519 New Brunswick Ave
Fords, NJ 08863
📞 Phone: (732) 738-4441
🌐 Website: fordsfootandanklecare.com
Don’t wait for the pain to get worse—call us today to schedule your appointment and walk away from ingrown toenail discomfort!