What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a common and often painful condition in which the edge of a toenail grows into the skin beside it, rather than extending straight over the toe. This misdirected nail growth typically results in redness, swelling, and tenderness, especially along one or both sides of the nail. Over time, it can lead to infection, drainage, and even difficulty walking.
- Most commonly affects the big toe
- Can cause redness, swelling, pain, and discharge
- May become infected if left untreated
- Poses increased risk for diabetic patients or those with poor circulation
At Best Foot Doctor NY, we treat a wide range of nail conditions—including recurring and infected ingrown nails—with solutions that prioritize comfort, healing, and prevention.
How Do Ingrown Toenails Form?
Ingrown toenails can result from a variety of causes. Some are related to habits, while others may be due to underlying anatomy or previous injury.
Common causes include:
- Improper nail trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners can cause the nail to grow inward
- Tight or narrow shoes: High heels and snug footwear increase pressure on the nail edge
- Toe trauma or repetitive impact: Common among athletes or workers on their feet all day
- Genetic factors: Naturally curved or thick nails are more prone to becoming ingrown
- Fungal infections: Can deform the nail plate and change the growth direction
Understanding the root cause helps inform both immediate treatment and long-term prevention.
How Are Ingrown Toenails Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made during an in-office exam with a podiatrist. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we focus on evaluating both the physical condition of the nail and any signs of infection or contributing risk factors.
During your exam, we assess:
- Visible signs: redness, swelling, pus, and nail edge curvature
- Pain severity: particularly with pressure or walking
- Infection risk: especially for diabetic or immunocompromised patients
- Medical and footwear history
In more severe or recurrent cases, we may recommend:
- X-rays – to rule out bone involvement or deeper infection
- Vascular assessment – for patients with poor circulation or diabetes
Prompt diagnosis helps reduce the risk of infection and allows for faster relief.
When Should You See a Doctor?
While some ingrown toenails can be managed at home, others require prompt attention from a medical professional. Ignoring the signs of a worsening ingrown toenail may lead to increased pain, infection, and even more serious complications, particularly if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or circulatory issues.
Seek professional care if you experience:
- Severe or increasing pain that interferes with walking or wearing shoes
- Redness and swelling that spread beyond the nail area
- Signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or a foul odor
- Persistent or recurring ingrown nails despite home treatment
- Changes in skin color or sensation near the toe (especially if diabetic)
At Best Foot Doctor NY, we recommend scheduling an appointment sooner rather than later if you’re unsure whether your ingrown toenail requires medical attention. Early care is key to faster healing and preventing future problems.
How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated?
Treatment depends on the stage of the condition, whether an infection is present, and whether the issue is a one-time problem or a recurring concern. At Best Foot Doctor NY, our approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best course of action based on your unique condition, lifestyle, and medical history. Our overarching goal is to relieve pain, prevent complications, and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
Early-stage ingrown toenails can often be managed conservatively at home with guided podiatric oversight. In more advanced or infected cases, professional in-office procedures provide immediate relief and address the underlying issue more permanently. For patients with chronic symptoms, specialized treatments such as partial matrixectomy may be recommended to prevent the problematic section of nail from growing back altogether.
We understand that foot pain can affect your quality of life and mobility, so our treatments are designed to be efficient, minimally invasive, and focused on long-term comfort. We also counsel patients on proper nail care techniques, footwear adjustments, and maintenance strategies to help prevent recurrence, especially for those with genetic predispositions or high activity levels.
Conservative care (for mild cases):
- Warm saltwater soaks – to reduce swelling and soften the nail
- Topical antibiotic ointments – to prevent minor infections
- Gentle nail elevation – using clean cotton or floss under the edge
- Footwear changes – switching to open-toed or wide shoes
In-office treatments (for moderate to severe cases):
- Partial nail removal (nail avulsion): The ingrown portion is trimmed under local anesthesia
- Matrixectomy (root treatment): Destroys part of the nail root to prevent regrowth, ideal for chronic cases
- Antibiotics: Prescribed if infection is present
At Best Foot Doctor NY, we use minimally invasive techniques that promote healing with little to no downtime. Same-day procedures are often available across our Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens locations.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail that’s painful, swollen, or infected, it’s time to seek expert care. Early treatment is key to avoiding complications and getting you back on your feet comfortably.