Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot-related problems, but without treatment, they increase your risk of infection and other more serious complications. At Prestige Podiatry Care in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, board-certified podiatrist Shivani Panchal, DPM, offers high-quality care for ingrown toenails, including nail splints, nail removal, and Remy laser therapy. Call Prestige Podiatry Care to schedule ingrown toenail treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

What is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail tissue grows into the soft skin surrounding your nail bed instead of away from it. 

Most people get ingrown nails occasionally, but if you have diabetes or another condition that affects circulation to your feet, it increases your risk of infection, gangrene, and amputation. 

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenail symptoms include the following:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness or darkening of the skin
• Toe feeling warm or hot

As the nail grows further into your skin, you might notice liquid or pus oozing out of your toe. 

When should I see a podiatrist about ingrown toenails?

Make an appointment at Prestige Podiatry Care as soon as you notice signs of an ingrown toenail. That’s particularly true if you have underlying health problems that increase your risk of infection, such as diabetes, severe nerve damage, or poor circulation. Even if you don’t think the problem warrants treatment, take action just in case.

How does a podiatrist diagnose ingrown toenails?

Dr. Panchal reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your affected toe and toenail. If your skin is growing over the nail and swollen or tender, she develops a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Panchal might also order X-rays to see how far the nail grows into your skin and to look for signs of severe infection.

How does a podiatrist treat ingrown toenails?

At Prestige Podiatry Care, Dr. Panchal treats ingrown toenails using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. She might suggest:

• Gently lifting the nail with a splint so it grows away from your toe
• Using an antibiotic cream or antibiotic-infused bandage
• Soaking your foot in warm water twice daily
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication to relieve swelling and discomfort

If your symptoms continue or worsen, Dr. Panchal prescribes treatment with the Remy laser. The Remy laser uses targeted light energy to eliminate the nail growing into your skin and kill any bacteria causing the infection. Treatment encourages healing at the cellular level and compliments your body’s natural healing process. 

Call Prestige Podiatry Care to schedule treatment for an ingrown toenail, or book your visit online today.