Ingrown Toenails
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The Foot Institute
Angelo Morreale, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon located in Shreveport, LA & Natchitoches, LA
Ingrown toenails are sore, swollen, and painful — and even worse, they often become infected if not treated quickly. When an ingrown toenail interrupts your active life, you can rely upon experienced podiatrist Angelo Morreale, DPM, at The Foot Institute in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Louisiana. In addition to rapidly relieving your pain, Dr. Morreale emphasizes permanent correction so you don’t have to worry about ingrown toenails in the future. Call the office nearest you or book an appointment using online scheduling.
Ingrown Toenails Q & A
What symptoms do ingrown toenails cause?
Ingrown toenails typically cause inflammation and redness at the corner of the toe, where the corner of the nail grows into the skin. Swelling and skin puffiness in that area are also common. An ingrown toenail is uncomfortable or painful when you try to wear socks and shoes.
If you don't treat an ingrown toenail, it can become infected. Infected ingrown toenails often bleed or ooze pus, and the skin redness can start spreading.
In diabetics, ingrown toenails often worsen quickly. Poor circulation prevents your body from healing the wound, which means an ingrown toenail can possibly spiral into toe amputation if you don't seek diabetic foot care right away.
Why did I develop an ingrown toenail?
There are a number of factors that contribute to ingrown toenails. In most cases, poor-fitting shoes are the culprit. Shoes that are too snug can place significant pressure on your nails and skin. For example, wearing high heels daily could force your nail to curve into your skin.
Other factors that contribute to ingrown toenails include:
- Curving your nails when you trim them
- Cutting your nails too short
- Stubbing your toe or other toe trauma
- Family history of ingrown toenails
Dr. Morreale examines your toenail and reviews your medical history carefully to deduce the reasons for your ingrown toenail so he can personalize your care.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
At The Foot Institute, Dr. Morreale emphasizes permanent symptom relief. Other podiatric practices may offer only short-term solutions. A quick fix ends your pain, but ingrown toenails have a high recurrence rate, so you could end up needing retreatment in a few months or less.
To end the frustrating cycle of ingrown toenails, Dr. Morreale offers in-office surgical correction. He uses local numbing to ensure your comfort, and then surgically removes the ingrown part of the nail. He also treats the nail root in that area to stop it from growing back.
You still have your toenail, but it's slightly narrower than before. Most patients don't even see an obvious difference.
Dr. Morreale also prescribes topical or oral antibiotics as needed for infections. You can also get wound care at The Foot Institute if your ingrown toenail develops complications.
For a permanent solution to your ingrown toenails in a comfortable, state-of-the-art office, call The Foot Institute or use the online scheduling tool.
