Few foot problems are as common — or as dreaded — as an ingrown toenail. What begins as a mild irritation at the edge of your toenail can quickly become a painful, swollen, and infected mess that makes wearing shoes or even walking uncomfortable. While it may seem minor, ignoring an ingrown toenail can lead to bigger issues, especially for people with diabetes or circulation problems. That’s why seeing a podiatrist for professional treatment is so important.
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight out. This can happen for several reasons: trimming nails too short, rounding the edges too much, wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes, or simply inheriting a nail shape that’s prone to curving inward. Athletes and teenagers often struggle with this issue because of repetitive trauma from sports and rapid growth.
When an ingrown nail develops, the skin around it becomes red, swollen, and tender. If bacteria enter through the broken skin, it can quickly turn into a painful infection that produces pus and makes even the lightest touch unbearable. While some people attempt home remedies like warm soaks or over-the-counter ointments, these rarely resolve the problem if the nail edge continues to dig into the skin.
A podiatrist can provide safe, effective relief — often in a single visit. Depending on the severity, they may gently lift the nail edge and trim it properly, or in more advanced cases, perform a minor procedure to remove part of the nail and the underlying tissue to prevent it from growing back into the skin. The treatment is done under local anesthesia, so patients feel minimal discomfort during the procedure.
One of the best parts of seeing a podiatrist for ingrown toenails is the peace of mind it brings. Not only is the immediate pain addressed, but patients learn how to prevent future problems through proper trimming techniques, footwear advice, and tips for keeping feet healthy and clean. For those who suffer from recurring ingrown toenails, more permanent solutions — like partial nail removal or reshaping — can stop the cycle for good.
Summer can be a tough season for ingrown toenails. Open-toed shoes and barefoot activities expose feet to bumps, stubs, and debris that can aggravate sensitive nails. Plus, hot weather means sweaty feet, which softens the nail and surrounding skin, making it easier for the nail to dig in. Getting prompt treatment before vacation or beach season means you can enjoy sandals, swimming, and summer fun without limping or hiding your feet.
If you’ve been dealing with an ingrown toenail, don’t wait for it to get worse. A quick visit to your podiatrist can bring immediate relief, prevent infection, and help you walk out the door with confidence. Healthy feet are happy feet, and summer adventures are much more fun when you can step into them pain-free.
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