Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenails Specialists
Living with an ingrown toenail can make even simple activities—like walking or putting on shoes—uncomfortable. You don’t have to suffer in silence. At Eastside Podiatry, our team helps people in St. Clair Shores and Fraser find fast, lasting relief so they can get back to moving comfortably again.
Ingrown Toenails Q & A
What are ingrown toenails?
An ingrown toenail happens when the nail curves into your skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. In more severe cases, it may lead to swelling or drainage. While it can happen on any toe, it most often affects the big toe.
What causes ingrown toenails?
One of the most common causes is trimming your toenails too short or rounding the corners, which makes the nail grow into the skin instead of over it. Tight shoes or small injuries can also make the problem worse. This technique sets the stage for the nail to curl down, dig in, and grow into the skin of your toe.
While clipping is the primary suspected cause for ingrown toenails, shoes that are too small, as well as minor injuries, also encourage their growth.
It’s important to properly trim your toenails and always wear either clean socks or open-toed shoes to reduce your chances of developing an ingrown toenail.
How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?
The physicians at Eastside Podiatry PLLC diagnose ingrown toenails based on your symptoms and by examining your nail and its surrounding skin. If your nail looks like it’s growing over or underneath your skin, and you complain of swollen and tender skin, you might need to begin treatment for an ingrown toenail.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
It’s important not to try and dig out the nail yourself. Doing so can make the problem worse, cause more pain, and even lead to infection. Our team is here to treat it safely and effectively.
Additionally, it’s important not to disturb your nail bed because exposing it leads to additional pain. Removal of your entire ingrown toenail increases the possibility that your toenail grows back deformed, and it takes months for your nail to regrow.
If ingrown toenails are making you uncomfortable, call the office or make an appointment online today.
Faq...
– Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
– Redness and swelling around the toe
– Warmth or throbbing sensation
– Pus or drainage if infected
– Difficulty wearing shoes or walkin
You should see a podiatrist if:
– Pain persists or worsens
– There are signs of infection (pus, redness, swelling)
– You have diabetes or poor circulation
– The condition keeps recurring
Most patients recover within 1–2 weeks. You may need to keep the toe clean and bandaged, avoid tight shoes, and limit strenuous activity during healing.
Yes, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Without treatment, they can cause serious infections. The good news? Early care can prevent complications and get you back on your feet quickly.