What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Find Relief from Ingrown Toenails with Expert Care in Chicago, IL
Ingrown toenails can be more than a minor irritation. When the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, it can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and even infection. At Norridge Foot and Ankle Clinic in Chicago, IL, Dr. Jennifer Busser provides advanced care for ingrown toenails, helping patients find quick relief and prevent the problem from recurring.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail. Some of these include improper trimming of the nail (nails cut too short or with rounded edges), tight-fitting shoes that press the toes together, trauma to the nail, toe deformities (such as bunions or hammertoes), or naturally curved nails. Though anyone may be affected, athletes and people with diabetes are more prone. Toes are sensitive to swelling, and any amount of swelling may contribute to an ingrown toenail, whether the swelling be related to pregnancy, vein issues, or heart disease. Thickened toenails and toenails with a fungal infection can also make the nail painful and ingrown.
Signs You Should Visit a Specialist
An ingrown toenail can begin as a minor pain but can soon become more severe. If you experience ongoing pain, swelling, drainage, or redness in the area of the nail, it's essential to have it professionally treated. If left untreated, an infected ingrown toenail can worsen and cause additional problems, particularly for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. Dr. Busser recommends seeking care as soon as possible so that the patient has multiple treatment options to choose from. We prioritize patients with painful, infected toenails and we offer these patients same or next day appointments.
Treatment Options That Work
Dr. Busser offers a range of conservative and advanced treatments, tailored to the severity of your ingrown toenail. For less serious cases, the nail edge can be carefully lifted and removed with a special instrument. For more severely infected or very painful nails, partial or full removal of the offending nail may be necessary. In some cases, a simple procedure can permanently remove the problematic portion of the nail, preventing it from growing inward again. If ingrown nails are caused by a suspected fungal infection, Dr. Busser can perform testing of the nail to properly treat the underlying fungal infection. Most of the time, time off work or school is not necessary and the patient can return to activities later that day.
Preventing Future Problems
Preventive care is important in preventing repeated ingrown toenails. Dr. Busser educates patients on proper nail trimming, shoe selection, and how to guard against foot trauma. For those with structural problems or repeated occurrences, repeat care or orthotics might be prescribed to redistribute pressure across the foot.
Schedule an Appointment Today
You don’t have to live with the pain of ingrown toenails. Dr. Jennifer Busser at Norridge Foot and Ankle Clinic in Chicago, IL, provides compassionate and effective treatment to restore comfort and prevent future foot and ankle issues. Call (773) 625-2211 today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward healthier feet.