An ingrown toenail affects a small part of your body, but it can cause some very big pain. If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, inflammation, and other issues caused by an ingrown toenail, the team at Sports Arena Podiatry Group can relieve your symptoms using the latest research and technology. There are three convenient locations in San Diego, Coronado, and Chula Vista, California, so click the online scheduler or call the office nearest you today.
An ingrown toenail occurs when a part of your nail embeds in the bordering skin. Ingrown toenails usually happen in the outer corners of the big toe.
When your nail grows under the skin, it causes irritation, inflammation, swelling, and pain. An ingrown toenail also has a high risk of infection because it creates a small break where harmful bacteria can enter your body.
Ingrown toenails usually change the appearance of your toe. Common symptoms include:
In some cases, new skin grows over the embedded nail. The new skin growth, which is called a granuloma, looks grainy and rough.
Ingrown toenails can happen for many different reasons, but are often related to one or more of the following:
You’re more vulnerable to ingrown toenails if you have diabetes or another disease that causes edema, nerve damage, or circulatory problems in your legs and feet.
Another little-known potential cause of ingrown toenails is high perspiration levels. When you sweat a lot, your nails and skin are far softer and more pliable than normal. This can thin your nail and potentially lead to splitting. Part of the split nail may puncture your vulnerable skin and create an ingrown toenail.
Don’t try to cut or lift the nail corner out, as this opens your nail bed to bacteria and infection. Sports Arena Podiatry Group personalizes your treatment using the most effective tools and protocols.
If you have an infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic. Often, an outpatient procedure to surgically remove the embedded corner is the best treatment for ingrown toenails. If your ingrown toenail grows back, your podiatrist may permanently remove your nail.
You can trust Sports Arena Podiatry Group for the best and fastest ingrown toenail relief. Call the nearest office or book online today.