Our Services / Ingrown Toenails

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails form when the side of the nail grows into the flesh of your toe. As a result, the affected toe (usually your big toe) becomes swollen, red, painful, and in severe cases, infected.

If you look at your toe, you’ll see the nail cutting into your skin. However, trying to cut out the affected section of the nail yourself isn’t a good idea. Repeatedly cutting the ingrown part of the nail is likely to encourage the nail to grow even deeper into your skin.

It’s better to get expert treatment of ingrown toenails by visiting Dr. Hansen.

Why have I got ingrown toenails?

There are several reasons why you might have an ingrown toenail. The primary one is cutting your toenails incorrectly. If you don’t cut them straight across or cut them too short, you increase your risk of an ingrown toenail.

Other causes of ingrown toenails include:

• Having unusually curved toenails
• Wearing tight or pointed shoes
• Family history
• Injury to the toe

Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can cause further complications with your foot. This is especially important for people with diabetes.

Why are ingrown toenails a problem if I have diabetes?

When you have diabetes, it affects the circulation in your feet. Diabetes can also cause a condition called diabetic peripheral neuropathy. If you develop this problem, you might have burning pain in your feet and, at other times, numbness.

Ingrown toenails can damage tissue that doesn’t heal quickly and is prone to infection because of diabetes complications. Eventually, you can develop diabetic ulcers — severe open wounds — on your feet.

If you have diabetes, it’s vital to prevent ingrown toenails to stop the damage that can lead to ulcers and infection.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

In many cases, Dr. Hansen treats your ingrown toenails the same day. One form of ingrown toenail treatment involves lifting the affected nail and putting a splint or a piece of cotton under it. This corrects the toenail’s path as it grows to stop it from entering your skin.

More severe cases require surgery to remove all or part of the nail. In some cases, Dr. Hansen has to remove the nail and some underlying tissue.

If you’ve noticed signs of an ingrown toenail, call Hansen Foot & Ankle today or book an appointment online.