Ingrown Toenail
Toetal Podiatry
Podiatry & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Financial District, New York, NY
Cutting your nails too short can lead to a painful ingrown toenail and perhaps an accompanying infection. Experienced podiatrists Vera Malezhik, DPM, and Yekaterina Grauer, DPM, offer on-site treatment for ingrown toenails at Toetal Podiatry in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City. Whether you need medications or a minor surgical procedure to remove the nail, the providers customize your care plan to your needs. They also reduce your risk factors for recurrent nail infections. To learn more about available treatments for an ingrown toenail, call Toetal Podiatry or request an appointment through the online booking system today.
Ingrown Toenail Q&A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a condition where your nail grows into the surrounding skin. The most common cause of an ingrown toenail is cutting your nails too short or not properly trimming the sides of your nail.
You may also be prone to frequent ingrown toenails if you wear shoes that are too narrow or too tight. Some people experience recurrent ingrown toenails because of their genetic history, or if they suffer an injury to their toe that damages their nail.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
As the nail grows deeper into your skin, the skin may become red, hard, and swollen. Ingrown toenails can be very painful and make it difficult for you to walk or wear shoes comfortably.
An ingrown toenail can increase your risk for infection. If an infection develops, your pain may increase. You may notice fluids draining from the affected toe.
How is an ingrown toenail treated?
The initial treatment for an ingrown toenail involves soaking your foot to soften your nails before your Toetal Podiatry provider trims away the nail. They may also place a piece of cotton under the embedded nail to keep it from growing back into your skin.
When you have a serious infection or your nails grow deep into your skin, you may need a minor surgical procedure known as a partial nail avulsion to remove part of your toenail. They use several techniques, including the slant back procedure, to remove a triangular portion of the affected nail.
The team also offers chemical matrixectomy after the removal of your nail. They apply a special chemical to prevent the regrowth of the side of your toenail. Your podiatrist also prescribes an antibiotic to clear the infection and may recommend pain relievers to ease your discomfort.
Your Toetal Podiatry provider works with you to prevent recurrent ingrown toenails. You should keep your feet dry during the day and wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. You can also soak your feet several times a week to keep your nails soft and easy to trim properly.
If you have a painful or recurrent ingrown toenail, you can get the help you need by calling Toetal Podiatry or by requesting an appointment through the online booking system today.