Ingrown Toenails
Same day ingrown toenail procedures that take away your pain and prevent it from returning.
Do you have pain in the corners of your toenail? No matter how much you try to trim or file it, is it still bothering you? If so, you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, are common conditions that can affect any individual regardless of their age or health. When toenails curve as they grow out, the toenail causes the adjacent skin to thicken and causes discomfort. Or when an ingrown toenail tears into the adjoining skin, it causes swelling. It may occur on the left or right side of the nail, or even sometimes on both sides!
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails may occur from improper trimming of the nail, where there is a sharp edge on either corner of the nail. This condition can also occur from how the nail is growing. One example is a pincer nail, where there is an over-curvature of the nail on both sides. As one can imagine, the over-curvature of the nail can cause pain in both corners of the nail by pinching into the soft tissue below it.
The symptoms of the affected corner may only initially be pain with pressure or in shoe gear. However, if left untreated, it may become inflamed and the affected corner may turn red and swell. At its worst, it could result in a localized infection with purulence, which is a milky-colored discharge.
If you find yourself in this situation, you should see our podiatrists. A simple visit can alleviate your pain and put you back on your feet!
How to Treat Your Ingrown Toenails
If you are battling an ingrown toenail, here are your treatment options:
- At home: try soaking in warm water and Epsom salts (1/3 Cup) for 10-15 minutes, 2 times per day for an ingrown toenail that is not painful or infected.
- Onyfix: this treatment reshapes ingrown toenails painlessly. The process involves preparing the nail, applying the Onyfix compound, and shaping the nail to its normal growth. The band affixes to the nail, maintaining its shape as it grows out.
- Nail avulsion: a procedure that is performed in the office where the affected toe will be numbed and a small sliver of the affected border will be removed. With this procedure, the nail will grow back.
- Chemical matrixectomy: this is a same-day procedure that is similar to nail avulsion, as it is also performed in the office. The difference is that a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail matrix. This chemical creates a burn that is similar to a third-degree burn to prevent the nail from growing back.
Laser Ablation: an in-office procedure that involves surgically removing the nail matrix of the involved border and then using a laser to destroy the nail matrix of the offending border, so that the nail will not grow back.
Treat Ingrown Toenails Now
Do not wait to get treatment for your ingrown toenails. Advanced Foot & Ankle Centers of Illinois is ready to address your medical needs and provide you with compassionate care.
Call any of our area offices or fill out our online contact form to reach out to schedule your appointment.