Ingrown Toenails

There’s no need to feel embarrassed about ingrown toenails with the Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP, experts behind your foot care. The specialists can correct ingrown toenails so you can wear your favorite footwear once again. Call the experts at one of the offices in Dallas, Garland, or Richardson, Texas, to book a consultation or reserve a spot through the online scheduling tool.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are an extremely common concern where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and discomfort. Ingrown toenails commonly affect your big toe and, in some cases, become infected and even more painful.

What causes ingrown toenails?

One of the most common causes of an ingrown toenail is improper toenail trimming. You should always clip straight across and not too short. Wearing shoes that are too tight or getting an injury to the toe can also result in an ingrown toenail.

Certain risk factors also increase the likelihood you may develop an ingrown toenail. Some conditions, like diabetes, increase this risk, as does poor nail hygiene. 

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

If you have an ingrown toenail, you may notice:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and discomfort
• Pus if infected
• Difficulty wearing footwear
• Tenderness

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP specialists can monitor and alleviate your symptoms with personalized care.

How do doctors treat an ingrown toenail?

The Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP experts offer a minimally painful treatment to relieve any ingrown toenail concerns. The specialists begin by numbing the toe, followed by removing the nail margin. They’ll apply a unique, acid-based treatment to encourage new nail bed growth.

Your foot specialist may offer alternative treatments to best fit your needs. Other common treatments for ingrown toenails include:

Nail tape

This method involves the expert applying tape to pull the skin away from the ingrown nail and encourage nail tissue to grow above the skin.

Gutter splint

A gutter splint involves the specialist sliding a tiny slit tube beneath a numbed nail. This reduces pain and remains in place until the nail begins to grow above the skin.

Partial nail removal

The experts may only need to remove part of the affected nail in some cases. They’ll trim back only what is necessary while the new nail grows in its place.

Can I resume daily activities following an ingrown toenail treatment?

Most people return to daily activities following the recommended Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP treatment. While it may take several weeks for a complete nail to grow back, there should be no interference post-treatment.

To learn more about your ingrown toenail options, call the experts today at the Dallas, Garland, or Richardson, Texas, office and schedule an appointment. You can also book online through the reservation portal.