Ingrown Toenail
What is an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenail is a condition where nail grows into the skin causing inflammation, pain and infection. If left untreated, this infection can spread into surrounding tissues and bones.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Frisco, Texas
An ingrown toenail develops when the side or corner of a toenail presses into or grows into the surrounding skin. The condition most commonly affects the big toe and may cause tenderness, redness, swelling, drainage, or infection.
Ingrown toenails can begin as a minor irritation but may become increasingly painful without appropriate care. Patients with diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should seek professional evaluation rather than attempting to cut out the nail at home.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Several factors can contribute to an ingrown toenail, including:
• Trimming the nail too short or rounding its corners
• An inherited tendency toward curved or wide toenails
• Tight, narrow, or improperly fitting shoes
• Repetitive pressure from sports or work activities
• Trauma to the nail or toe
• Fungal infection or another condition that thickens or distorts the nail
• Previous nail procedures or damage to the nail root
• Excessive sweating or prolonged moisture around the toe
Some patients develop recurring ingrown toenails even when they trim their nails correctly because of their natural nail shape or underlying foot mechanics.
Diagnosing an Ingrown Toenail
Dr. Woojung Lee will examine the nail, surrounding skin, and affected toe to determine the severity of the condition and whether an infection is present. She will also consider whether nail fungus, trauma, or another nail disorder is contributing to the problem.
Testing or imaging is not usually necessary, but additional evaluation may be recommended when there is a chronic wound, unusual nail change, significant infection, or concern about the underlying bone.
Nonsurgical Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Mild or early ingrown toenails may respond to conservative treatment. Depending on the condition of the nail and surrounding skin, treatment may include:
• Guidance on proper nail trimming and foot care
• Footwear changes to reduce pressure on the toe
• Careful trimming or removal of the irritating nail edge
• Cleaning, soaking, or topical care as medically directed
• Topical or oral antibiotics when a bacterial infection warrants treatment
• Onyfix® nonsurgical nail correction for appropriate patients
Antibiotics may treat a related bacterial infection, but they do not correct the curved or penetrating nail edge responsible for the ingrown toenail. Additional nail treatment may still be necessary.
Onyfix Nonsurgical Nail Correction
Modern Podiatry offers the Onyfix® nail-correction system as a nonsurgical option for selected curved, involuted, or ingrown toenails. A specialized composite is applied to the surface of the nail and hardened in a position designed to guide the nail toward a more natural shape as it grows.
Onyfix does not involve cutting the skin or surgically removing the nail root. It may be particularly helpful for patients with an involuted or excessively curved nail who want to explore a conservative approach.
Because toenails grow slowly, correction occurs gradually and may require follow-up visits over several months. Onyfix is not the right option for every patient, particularly when there is a severe infection, significant overgrowth of surrounding tissue, or an advanced ingrown nail requiring immediate removal. Dr. Lee will determine whether the treatment is suitable following an examination.
Partial or Total Nail Removal
For a painful or more advanced ingrown toenail, Dr. Lee may recommend removing the portion of nail that is pressing into the skin. This in-office procedure is generally performed after numbing the toe with local anesthetic.
A partial nail avulsion removes only the affected side of the nail while preserving the remaining nail plate. Total nail removal may be considered when a larger portion of the nail is severely damaged, infected, or deformed.
Removing the nail edge can provide relief, but the nail may grow back and become ingrown again unless the responsible portion of the nail root is also treated.
Matrixectomy for Recurring Ingrown Toenails
A partial matrixectomy treats the narrow portion of the nail root responsible for producing the recurring ingrown edge. It is commonly considered for patients who experience repeated ingrown toenails on the same side.
A chemical, surgical, or other technique may be used to prevent that section of nail from growing back. The goal is to preserve as much normal nail as possible while reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
A total matrixectomy prevents the entire nail from growing back and is generally reserved for selected cases involving severe, chronically painful, or extensively damaged nails. Dr. Lee will discuss the expected appearance, healing process, risks, benefits, and alternatives before performing a permanent nail procedure.
Recovery After an Ingrown Toenail Procedure
Most ingrown toenail procedures are completed in the office. Patients typically receive instructions regarding dressing changes, keeping the area clean, footwear, activity, and signs of infection.
Temporary drainage and tenderness can occur while the toe heals. Recovery time depends on the procedure, the severity of the original condition, circulation, and other health considerations.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Schedule an evaluation if you have:
• Persistent or worsening toe pain
• Redness or swelling around the nail
• Drainage, pus, or an unpleasant odor
• Overgrown tissue along the nail edge
• An ingrown toenail that repeatedly returns
• Diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or impaired healing
• Redness spreading beyond the toe or other signs of infection
Modern Podiatry offers both surgical and nonsurgical ingrown toenail treatment in Frisco. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Woojung Lee to learn whether Onyfix, partial nail removal, matrixectomy, or another treatment may be appropriate for you.
