Do you feel a sharp pain shooting through your big toe every time you take a step? Has what started as minor discomfort has become a throbbing ache that now makes wearing shoes unbearable? If you’re experiencing these symptoms and the skin around your toenail appears red and swollen, you may have an ingrown toenail, and we can help. Ingrown toenails are very painful, and they can disrupt your daily activities, negatively impact your quality of life, and cause significant pain and potentially serious complications if left untreated. The skilled central Minnesota podiatrists at St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center have significant experience diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails, and they’re here to help you get relief. Find out more about this condition, then schedule an appointment to meet with a caring and skilled foot care specialist at one of our central Minnesota locations.
Understanding What Causes Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when a corner or edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of growing over it. This creates pressure, inflammation, and pain that can worsen over time without proper treatment.
Ingrown toenails happen on the big toe most frequently, though any toe can be affected. Several factors contribute to this condition, including:
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Improper nail trimming is the most common culprit. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to grow into the skin rather than straight out.
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Footwear choices can impact ingrown toenail development. Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or pointy compress the toes and force the nail into the skin. High heels create additional pressure by pushing the foot forward into a narrow toe box.
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Genetic factors influence nail shape and growth patterns. Some people inherit nails that naturally curve more than others, making them prone to ingrown toenails regardless of their care habits.
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Trauma to the toe can alter nail growth direction. Stubbing your toe, dropping heavy objects on your foot, or repetitive pressure from sports activities can damage the nail bed and cause irregular growth patterns that lead to ingrown toenails.
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Certain medical conditions increase the risk of developing ingrown toenails. For example, diabetes affects circulation and healing, making complications more likely, while fungal infections can thicken nails and change their shape.
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Excessive sweating can create a moist environment that softens skin and makes it easier for nails to penetrate the surrounding skin.
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Poor hygiene or nail care practices can contribute to ingrown toenails. Things like picking at toenails or using dirty nail tools can introduce bacteria and create irregular edges that grow into the surrounding tissue.
Recognizing the Warning Signs and Symptoms
Early recognition of ingrown toenail symptoms allows for prompt treatment and prevents serious complications. The initial signs often seem minor, but progress rapidly without intervention.
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Pain associated with an ingrown toenail typically starts as mild tenderness when pressure is applied to the affected area. Walking, wearing shoes, or touching the affected toe increases discomfort, and the pain often intensifies at night.
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Redness and swelling around the edge of the nail indicate inflammation as your body responds to the embedded nail. The affected area may feel warm to the touch and appear more prominent than the surrounding skin.
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Skin overgrowth sometimes develops as the body attempts to heal around the ingrown nail. It is red and bumpy in appearance and may bleed easily when touched or during normal activities like walking or bathing.
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Drainage or discharge from the affected area suggests that a bacterial infection has developed. The fluid may be clear initially, but can become cloudy, yellow, or green as infection progresses. A foul odor often accompanies infected ingrown toenails.
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Fever and red streaking up the toe or foot indicate a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms suggest the infection is spreading beyond the local area and could become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Professional Treatment Options Available
At St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, we offer several effective treatment approaches depending on the severity and stage of your ingrown toenail. The Minnesota podiatrists on our team evaluate each case individually to determine the most appropriate intervention.
For mild cases caught early, conservative treatment may begin with soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water several times daily to reduce swelling and soften the skin. Proper nail trimming techniques and footwear modifications help prevent the condition from getting worse. Additional interventions may be recommended for infected or more severe ingrown toenails. Examples include:
Antibiotics
Antibiotic therapy becomes necessary when a bacterial infection is present in an ingrown toenail. Oral antibiotics treat systemic infections, while topical preparations address localized bacterial overgrowth. Your Minnesota podiatrist will determine the appropriate medication based on the severity of the infection and your medical history.
Partial Nail Removal
Partial nail avulsion (removal) can provide relief for moderate to severe cases. This minor in-office surgical procedure removes the portion of the toenail that’s growing into the skin while preserving the healthy nail. Local anesthesia ensures comfort during the procedure, and healing typically occurs within a few weeks.
Full Nail Removal
Removing the nail may be recommended for severely damaged nails or recurring infections. This procedure removes the entire toenail, allowing healthy tissue to regenerate. While healing takes longer than partial nail avulsion, it can provide permanent relief for people who experience chronic problems.
Reasons to See St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center
Don’t suffer in silence with an ingrown toenail. The sooner you seek treatment from St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, the faster you’ll receive skilled care tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced foot specialists understand the nuances of ingrown toenail treatment and provide comprehensive care that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term prevention.
Rather than just treating your symptoms, we will provide a professional diagnosis that involves identifying the underlying cause of your ingrown toenail, which helps ensure appropriate therapy for optimal healing. We’ll develop an individualized treatment plan appropriate for your specific condition and provide follow-up care to help ensure proper healing, address any concerns that arise during recovery, and work closely with you to help prevent future problems.