Ingrown Toenails Specialist

What are ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail is an annoying and painful condition that occurs when one of your nails grows into the skin surrounding the nail bed, instead of out and away from your toe. 

Usually, ingrown toenails respond to at-home treatments, like soaking the toe in warm water or taking anti-inflammatory medication. If your toe becomes red and swollen, or it starts oozing pus, contact Greater San Antonio Podiatry immediately.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Swelling

If the nail gets infected, you might also notice a foul odor or your toe oozing pus.

When should I see a podiatrist about an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail might not seem like that big of a deal, but if you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or another medical issue that affects circulation to your feet, it’s vital to receive treatment. Intervention at Greater San Antonio Podiatry can keep your feet and toes healthy, reducing the risk of complications like gangrene or amputation.

Who is at risk of experiencing ingrown toenails?

Anyone can experience an ingrown toenail, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being a teenager or a young adult
• Injuring your toenail
• Sweating heavily
• Wearing shoes that constrict your toes
• Cutting your nails too short
• Cutting your nails at an angle

You’re also more likely to experience an ingrown nail if you play sports that involve activities like running or kicking, which puts your toes at risk of injury.

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

To diagnose an ingrown toenail, Dr. Santellana asks about your symptoms and examines your toe and toenail. Most ingrown nails are easy to identify, but Dr. Santellana might also order X-rays to determine how far the nail grows into your skin. 

How are ingrown toenails treated?

At Greater San Antonio podiatry, Dr. Santellana uses conservative, noninvasive treatments to manage ingrown toenails. After an exam and discussion of your symptoms, Dr. Santellana might recommend:

• Lifting the nail (Placing a piece of cotton beneath the nail so it grows away from your toe)
• Taping the nail (Pulling the nail away from your skin with a piece of medical tape)
• Placing a gutter splint (Sticking a splint beneath your nail so it grows outward)
• Partially removing the nail (Removing the portion of nail growing into your skin)

If you experience ingrown toenails regularly, Dr. Santellana might recommend removing the nail completely. To ensure your comfort, he performs the procedure using local anesthesia.

To explore the treatment options for ingrown toenails, make an appointment at Greater San Antonio Podiatry by calling the office or booking online today.