lngrown Toenails | Podiatrist In New Orleans, LA | New Orleans Podiatry Associates

Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms & Expert Treatment

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and in some cases, infection. While they most commonly affect the big toe, any toenail can become ingrown. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, making everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we offer same-day appointments and expert care.

Common Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult a podiatrist:

Pain or tenderness along the side of the toenail
Redness or swelling around the nail border
Warmth in the affected toe
Drainage or pus indicating possible infection
Overgrowth of skin around the nail

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Why Do Ingrown Toenails Happen?

Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail, including:

Tight or narrow footwear – Shoes that compress the toes can force the nail edge into the surrounding skin.
Toe injury – Trauma such as stubbing the toe or dropping an object can disrupt normal nail growth.
Genetics – Naturally curved, wide, or thick nails may be more prone to becoming ingrown.
Repeated pressure or activity – Running, ballet, and other activities that stress the toes increase the risk.
Improper nail trimming – Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow inward.
Excessive sweating or moisture – Softened skin is more vulnerable to nail penetration.
Foot deformities – Conditions such as bunions or hammertoes can increase pressure on the nail edges.

Why Specialized Care Matters

An ingrown toenail, if left untreated, can cause persistent pain and complications. Seeking care from a specialized provider is crucial for effective treatment. Urgent Care centers often lack the expertise to prevent future issues or infections associated with ingrown toenails. Prioritize your foot health by choosing a specialist who understands the intricacies of this condition.

Treatment Options

Avulsion

This in-office procedure is quick, simple, and performed under local anesthesia. The offending nail border is removed, and most patients experience immediate pain relief. The avulsion procedure causes minimal disruption to your daily life but doesn't permanently alter future nail growth. This is a great option for those seeking pain relief before a vacation without a major interference to their plans. While the procedure itself takes about 10 minutes, plan for approximately one hour for your full visit from start to finish.

Matrixectomy

For chronic ingrown toenails, we recommend a partial nail matrix ablation. By removing the small section of nail root responsible for the recurring problem, future occurrences are greatly minimized. A phenol application is then used to chemically cauterize the nail matrix, preventing that portion of the nail from growing back. This greatly reduces the likelihood of recurrence and offers a long-term solution for most patients.

Although healing may take slightly longer with a matrixectomy, this approach provides more durable results than the avulsion. The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia, is quick and well-tolerated, and typically takes about 10 minutes; however, you should plan for approximately one hour for your full visit from start to finish.

Book Your Appointment

Dr. Edward Lang brings years of expertise in both traditional foot surgery and advanced regenerative treatments. At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we combine modern diagnostic tools with proven medical techniques in one convenient location. With same-day appointments and concierge-level care, you’ll have direct access to our team for answers, recovery support, and personalized adjustments along the way.

There’s no need to wait weeks for relief. Whether you call, text, or book online, you can be seen quickly by one of New Orleans’ most trusted foot surgeons and leave your visit with a clear plan for feeling better, starting today.