Preuss Podiatry offers in-office ingrown toenail removal in Louisville, KY and Floyds Knobs, IN. We treat ingrown toenails for patients of all ages, from children to seniors, usually in a quick visit with numbing so you feel little or no pain.
What is an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. Ingrown nails can be very painful. If left untreated, the ingrown nail can lead to redness, swelling and in some cases infection. Causes of ingrown nails include poor nail care, ill-fitting shoes, and trauma.
Signs of an ingrown toenail
- Pain along the side of the toenail, often the big toe
- Redness and swelling of the skin around the nail
- Pain when wearing shoes or when something presses on the toe
- Drainage, pus or extra tissue growing at the nail edge, which can mean infection
Treatment
It is very important to call Preuss Podiatry today if you are suffering from an ingrown toenail. The expert podiatrists can perform an in-office procedure to alleviate the ingrown toenail and prescribe antibiotics to help fight infection.
During the procedure, the toe is numbed and the ingrown edge of the nail is removed. For nails that keep growing in, the doctor can treat the nail root so that edge does not grow back.
Aftercare
Most patients walk out of the office and return to normal activities quickly. You will get simple instructions for soaking and bandaging the toe at home. Call us if redness or swelling gets worse.
Why you shouldn’t treat it yourself
Cutting into the corner of the nail at home, or "bathroom surgery," often makes an ingrown toenail worse and can cause infection. This is especially important if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Let us take care of it safely.
How to prevent ingrown toenails
- Cut toenails straight across, not curved, and not too short.
- Wear shoes with enough room for your toes.
- Protect your feet during sports and work.
Schedule an appointment
Don’t ignore your ingrown toenail! Call one of the Louisville, KY locations or the Floyds Knobs, IN location to schedule an appointment with our expert podiatrists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ingrown toenail removal hurt?
The toe is numbed first, so most patients feel little or nothing during the procedure.
Do you treat ingrown toenails in children?
Yes. We treat ingrown toenails in children and teens and help put them at ease.
Will my ingrown toenail come back?
It can. If it keeps coming back, the doctor can treat the nail root so that edge does not regrow.
