When an Ingrown Toenail Requires Help From Your Podiatrist

An ingrown toenail might seem like a minor issue until it becomes red, swollen, and difficult to ignore. Knowing when to see your podiatrist can prevent more serious problems down the line.

Ingrown toenails are among the most common foot complaints podiatrists see, and they can happen to anyone, from athletes and runners to people who spend long hours on their feet.

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, serving Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Alpine, Wyoming, Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, leads our team in providing expert diagnosis and treatment. With over 20 years of experience and board certification in foot and ankle surgery, Dr. McCall provides comprehensive care that ranges from conservative treatments to advanced, minimally invasive procedures when needed.

Here, we explain how to know when your ingrown toenail needs professional attention, describe your treatment options, and offer tips for preventing problems down the road.

Signs that it’s time to seek professional help

It’s tempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home with warm water soaks, antibiotic ointment, or careful trimming. But if you notice the following ingrown toenail red flags, it’s wise to have a podiatrist evaluate your toenail:

Persistent pain
Swelling
Drainage
Redness
Oozing

These symptoms suggest the area is infected or that the nail is digging deeper into the skin.

People with diabetes, poor circulation, or immune system issues should skip home treatment altogether. Even mild ingrown toenails can lead to serious infections in these cases, and a podiatrist can offer a safer and more effective solution.

What to expect at your podiatry visit

Dr. McCall examines the affected toe and determines how far the nail has grown into the skin. If the area is infected, he may prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic to clear it up. For mild cases, a minor in-office procedure to lift or remove part of the nail may be all you need.

When the problem keeps coming back, or if the nail is severely embedded, he may recommend a partial nail removal — called a partial matrixectomy. This quick outpatient procedure removes a portion of the nail and applies a solution to prevent that section from growing back. Most people resume activity within a day or two, with little downtime.

Prevention tips you want to follow

Once your toenail heals, the best way to prevent another painful episode is to treat your feet with care. Always trim your nails straight across rather than curved, and avoid cutting them too short. Wear shoes that give your toes enough room to move. Tight shoes or pointed toe boxes can put pressure on the nail and force it into the skin.

If your nail shape or foot structure makes you more prone to ingrown nails, Dr. McCall can recommend shoe modifications or other long-term strategies to reduce your risk of developing them.

Don’t wait until that ingrown toenail gets worse

An ingrown toenail doesn’t need to sideline you, but letting it go too long might. The sooner you seek expert care, the sooner you can walk comfortably again.

If your toe is painful, swollen, or just not getting better, reach out to our office to schedule an appointment at Alpine Foot and Ankle today. Relief is closer than you think.