Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are among the most common foot problems. But if you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, ingrown toenails increase your risk of infection and other complications. At Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, with three offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons offer complete care for ingrown toenails. Prompt intervention and treatment reduce the risk of infection and help you return to your routine. Call Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC today to schedule ingrown toenail treatment, or book your appointment online.

Why do ingrown toenails cause complications for people with diabetes?

When a toenail grows into the skin of the nail bed, instead of out and away from your toe, you have an ingrown toenail. This usually isn’t a problem for people with healthy circulation. For those with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD), it increases their risk of infection and gangrene (tissue death).

Diabetic foot care reduces the risk of ingrown toenails, but you can’t entirely prevent them. Partnering with Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, provides you with peace of mind and preserves your mobility.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenail symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Inflamed skin
• Pain
• Tenderness

You can develop an infection as the nail grows into your skin. Telltale signs of infection include a red, irritated nail that oozes blood or pus.

What causes ingrown toenails to form?

Ingrown toenails affect people of all ages. But several things increase your risk, including wearing shoes that squeeze your toes together, trimming your toenails too short, and toenail injuries. Underlying medical conditions, like diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD), increase your risk of infection and other complications.

How does a podiatrist diagnose ingrown toenails?

Your Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toe and toenail. They check your affected toe for redness and swelling and gently press on your toenail and nail bed to identify sensitive areas.

Ingrown toenails are typically diagnosed with a visual exam. But your provider might order digital X-rays to determine how far the nail grows into your skin and how severe the infection is.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

The Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, team takes a conservative, minimally invasive approach to treating ingrown toenails. They might suggest:

• Lifting the nail so it separates from the underlying skin
• Taping the nail away from the skin of the nail bed
• Placing a splint under the nail so that it grows away from the toe
• Partially removing the nail

You might benefit from minimally invasive nail surgery if you experience ingrown toenails frequently. Your podiatrist removes your entire toenail and the underlying tissue during nail surgery. They then apply a topical ointment to prevent your nail from growing back.

Call Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, today to schedule ingrown toenail treatment or book your appointment online.