If the side of your toe is red, swollen, or painful, you might have an ingrown toenail—a common but frustrating condition where the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This often leads to tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the skin next to it. It most commonly affects the big toe, but any toe can be affected. If left untreated, it can worsen, leading to discomfort and infection.

Common causes
   •  Cutting nails too short or with curved edges
   •  Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes
   •  Repetitive trauma (such as from sports or dancing)
   •  Genetic tendency to curved nails

Signs and Symptoms
If you’re wondering whether your toe pain is caused by an ingrown nail, here are the most common symptoms:
   •  Redness and swelling around the nail
   •  Pain or tenderness, especially when wearing shoes or pressed
   •  Pus or drainage if the area becomes infected
   •  Overgrowth of skin around the nail
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to consider professional treatment. Delaying professional treatment can lead to worsening infection or a more complicated procedure.

Professional Treatment Options
We can offer fast and effective solutions, including:
   •  Careful trimming and removal of the ingrown portion of the nail
   •  Drainage of any infection
   •  In some cases, a minor in-office procedure may be recommended to permanently correct the problem

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
You can reduce your risk of future problems with a few simple habits:
   •  Cut your toenails straight across, not curved
   •  Don’t trim nails too short or let them grow too long
   •  Avoid tight shoes that press on your toes
   •  Check your feet regularly if you have diabetes or circulation issues

If you’ve been searching for help with your toenail or are dealing with toe pain that won’t go away, contact our office today by calling 847-675-3400.