Ingrown Toenail

Precision Footcare

Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon located in Midtown East, New York, NY

You might not think an ingrown toenail is worth a doctor’s time, but if they’re a recurring problem or cause you pain, you should have an experienced podiatrist take a look. At Precision Footcare in Midtown East, New York City, board-certified podiatrist John Jurcisin, DPM, ABPS, FACFAS, can relieve pain and discomfort from ingrown toenails, treat infections, and prevent them from coming back. Schedule an appointment at the Midtown office online or over the phone.

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

What is an ingrown toenail?

A toenail is ingrown when the corner or side grows into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails usually affect your big toe. Ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, and swelling, and sometimes lead to infection.

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper grooming. To prevent ingrown toenails, you should cut your toenails straight across. If they’re too short or have rounded or jagged ends, they’re likely to become ingrown.

Ingrown toenails may follow a toe injury. They can also develop in response to excess pressure on your big toe, especially if your socks or shoes are too tight.

Ingrown toenails are usually minor and treatable at home. However, if you have an ingrown toenail that’s severely painful, appears to be infected, or isn’t getting better, have Dr. Jurcisin take a look.

Do I need a doctor to treat my ingrown toenail?

Generally, you can tell how serious an ingrown toenail is by how much it’s bothering you. If the discomfort and other symptoms are minor, it should respond to at-home care, including:

Soaking your feet in warm water
Applying antibiotic ointment to the area
Putting a bandage on the area

If possible, it helps to wear open-toed shoes like sandals when you have an ingrown toenail. Closed-toed shoes can irritate ingrown toenails.

You should schedule an appointment at Precision Footcare if your ingrown toenail appears to be infected. You may have an infection if there’s pus draining from the nail or if the pain, redness, and swelling is getting worse.

Dr. Jurcisin can treat infected ingrown toenails with antibiotics. In rare cases, you may need surgery to remove the infected part of the nail.

It’s a good idea to get attention for an ingrown toenail if you have diabetes or another condition that affects your circulation. If you have diabetes, small cuts and wounds like ingrown toenails are more likely to lead to infections with serious complications, but early intervention and proper foot care can prevent this from happening.

How do I prevent ingrown toenails?

Though ingrown toenails can be an annoying, recurring problem, they’re usually preventable. It’s essential to practice good foot care and hygiene. This includes: