Items filtered by date: June 2025

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. This common condition can be caused by trimming toenails too short, wearing tight shoes, injury, or a natural curve in the nail. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain along the nail edge, and sometimes drainage or infection, if left untreated. The area may feel tender to the touch and become increasingly painful when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail with a simple exam. Treatment may involve gently lifting the nail edge, removing a portion of the nail, or prescribing antibiotics if an infection is present. In recurring cases, a minor procedure can permanently remove part of the nail to prevent future problems. Proper nail care and footwear recommendations can also help prevent recurrence. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight shoes, toe injuries, or naturally curved nails. The area may feel sore, swollen, and, in more severe cases, may produce drainage or pus. When conservative treatments like warm soaks, antibiotics, or lifting the nail fail, a podiatrist may recommend a minor surgical procedure. One common option is partial nail avulsion, where only the ingrown portion is removed. Another method is a wedge resection, where the side of the nail and a portion of the nail bed are removed to stop the problematic section from growing back. These in-office procedures are quick, performed under local anesthesia, and typically offer long-term relief. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.