Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenail Treatment in St. Louis, MO

Ingrown toenails can be both painful and disruptive, but relief is within reach. At Missouri Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists provide ingrown toenail treatment in St. Louis, helping you overcome discomfort and prevent future issues. Don’t let pain hold you back—schedule your appointment today and return to your daily activities with ease!

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails happen when the edges of the nail grow into the soft tissue of the toe. This typically starts with a painful irritation that can quickly become infected. The affected area often turns red, swells, and may show drainage or pus.

An ingrown toenail can escalate to serious complications like gangrene for people with diabetes or poor circulation. Also, patients with joint replacements or pacemakers face a higher risk of infection spreading through the bloodstream. These at-risk individuals must seek medical attention at the first sign of an ingrown toenail.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Many factors can cause ingrown toenails, but the most common are:

• Hereditary tendency to form ingrown toenails
• Improperly cutting the toenails; either too short or cutting into the side of the nail
• Ill-fitting shoes
• Children often develop ingrown toenails from peeling or tearing their toenails instead of using a nail clipper.

Once an ingrown toenail starts, it will often recur. Many people perform “bathroom” surgery to cut the nail margin out, only to have it recur months later as the nail grows out.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Treating ingrown toenails is generally painless. While the injection to numb the toe may cause temporary discomfort, a foot and ankle doctor will help minimize this sensation. Once the toe is numb, the doctor removes the ingrown portion of the nail and applies a treatment to prevent regrowth.

Typically, an acid is used to destroy the nail root in that area, though alternative methods can be used. It may take a few weeks for the treated area to heal fully. During this time, there are usually no restrictions on activities, bathing, or footwear.

After the numbing effect subsides, you may experience mild discomfort, which is usually manageable without pain medication. The day after treatment, most individuals can return to normal activities, including sports and exercise.

Possible Recurrence of Ingrown Toenails

A small percentage of ingrown nails may recur. If left untreated, infections can persist but are easily managed with oral antibiotics. Occasionally, the remaining nail might become loose and fall off, but a new, narrower nail will grow back over several months.

How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails

To prevent ingrown toenails, ensure you wear shoes that fit well and provide ample room for your toes. Avoid tight shoes or those with narrow toe boxes, which can press your toenails into your skin. Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to reduce the risk of the nail growing into the surrounding skin.

Contact Missouri Foot & Ankle for Expert Care

Reach out to Missouri Foot & Ankle to discover how our team can assist with your foot, ankle, and toe issues. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort, injury, or any specific concerns, we are here to provide personalized treatment and support. Contact our St. Louis podiatrists to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better foot health!