Living with an ingrown toenail isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be downright debilitating. At Midwest Foot & Ankle Specialists, we understand the pain, redness, and frustration that come with this common but troublesome condition. Our specialized podiatry team in Lombard, IL, is dedicated to providing quick relief and lasting solutions for patients throughout Illinois.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. While the big toe is most commonly affected, any toe can develop this condition. Without proper treatment, ingrown toenails can lead to serious complications, especially for those with diabetes or circulation issues.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons. Improper nail trimming, especially cutting too short or rounding the corners, is a primary culprit. In addition, tight or ill-fitting footwear creates pressure that forces nails to grow abnormally, and physical trauma, genetic factors, and fungal infections can also contribute to this painful condition.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Your body sends clear signals when an ingrown toenail develops. Persistent pain around the nail edges is typically the first indication, followed by noticeable redness and swelling. As the condition progresses, you might observe drainage or pus formation, overgrowth of skin around the nail, and increasing difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably. These symptoms require prompt attention to prevent worsening complications.
How Do We Treat Ingrown Toenails?
At Midwest Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer individualized treatment plans ranging from conservative care to surgical solutions. Our conservative approach includes professional trimming, personalized footwear recommendations, specialized soaking techniques, and antibiotics when infection is present. For more severe or recurring cases, we provide surgical options such as partial nail removal, matrixectomy to prevent problematic regrowth, and reconstructive procedures for deformed nails. Most surgical treatments are same-day procedures with minimal downtime.
Ingrown toenails rarely resolve on their own and often worsen with time. The sooner you seek professional ingrown toenail treatment, the faster you’ll find relief and prevent potential complications that could lead to more serious foot health issues.
Schedule your consultation today and discover why patients throughout Illinois trust our expert team with their foot health.
