Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment

At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, Dr. Edward Lang and our team frequently treat patients suffering from ingrown toenails—a common yet painful condition that can significantly impact daily life. Understanding why ingrown toenails occur, how they feel, and what treatment options are available can help patients find relief and prevent recurrence. 

What Does an Ingrown Toenail Feel Like? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. Early symptoms include tenderness along the sides of the nail, but as the condition worsens, patients may experience: 

Increased pain when wearing shoes or walking 

Swelling and redness around the affected area 

Drainage or infection if left untreated 

Why Do Ingrown Toenails Happen?

Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including: 

Improper Footwear: Shoes with a narrow toe box squeeze the toes together, increasing pressure on the nails and forcing them to grow improperly. 

Fungus infection of the nail-bed; A fungal infection can cause the nail to thicken, change shape, or become brittle, increasing the likelihood of an ingrown toenail.

Incorrect Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage them to grow into the skin instead of straight out. 

Trauma or Repetitive Stress: Injuries from stubbing the toe or activities that put excessive pressure on the feet, such as running or soccer, can increase the likelihood of an ingrown nail. 

Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to ingrown toenails due to the natural curvature of their nails. 

How We Treat Ingrown Toenails: The In-Office Matrixectomy Procedure

For mild cases, conservative treatments such as warm saltwater soaks, topical antibiotics, and proper nail trimming may provide relief. However, when an ingrown toenail becomes chronic or infected, a minor in-office procedure called a matrixectomy may be necessary. 

What Happens During a Matrixectomy? 

Numbing the Area: Dr. Edward Lang administers a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free procedure. 

Partial Nail Removal: The affected portion of the nail is carefully removed to relieve pressure and irritation. 

Matrix Removal: To prevent the ingrown portion from growing back, the nail matrix (the tissue responsible for nail growth) is treated with a chemical or surgically excised. 

Aftercare and Healing: Patients receive detailed post-procedure instructions, including wound care and recommendations for proper footwear to prevent recurrence. 

Urgent Foot Care and Same-Day Appointments

At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we understand how painful and disruptive an ingrown toenail can be. That’s why we offer urgent foot care services and often accommodate same-day appointments for patients suffering from ingrown toenails. Our goal is to provide fast relief and expert treatment to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. 

As part of our concierge services, patients can contact us via text or phone at 504-897-3627 from 6:45 AM to 9:00 PM. You can schedule appointments, send pictures, and communicate directly with our team and Dr. Edward Lang for prompt and personalized care. 

Insurance and Self-Pay Options

We are in-network providers for Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, TriCare West, and WebTPA. For patients who are out-of-network or uninsured, we offer competitive, value-based self-pay pricing to ensure you receive high-quality podiatric care at an affordable cost. 

Preventing Ingrown Toenails 

To reduce the risk of future ingrown nails, follow these best practices: 

Trim toenails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. 

Wear shoes with a wide toe box that allows for natural toe movement. 

Keep feet clean and dry to prevent infections. 

Avoid trauma to the toes by wearing protective footwear when necessary. 

Expert Care at New Orleans Podiatry Associates 

If you are suffering from the discomfort of an ingrown toenail, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, Dr. Edward Lang specializes in providing expert care for foot and ankle conditions, including effective ingrown toenail treatment. 

Contact us today at 504-897-3627 via text or phone to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward relief! 

The above is not medical advice or a treatment plan. Treatment of ingrown nails should be performed by a licensed medical provider. 

New Orleans Podiatry Associates

2626 Jena Street

New Orleans, Louisiana 70115

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