Ingrown toenails can be quite painful and increase your risk of infection. Timothy Kruse, DPM, offers several treatments at Northside Foot & Ankle PC to treat an ingrown toenail. Dr. Kruse evaluates the severity of your condition and could recommend medication, laser treatment, or minor surgery to improve the health of your nails. He discusses the pros and cons of each treatment during your consultation so that you can make the most informed decision. Call the office in River North, Chicago, or Evanston, Illinois, today to schedule an ingrown toenail consultation or book an appointment online.
An ingrown toenail is where the side or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin.
While any of your toenails can grow this way, ingrown toenails are most common in the big toe. Your risk of ingrown nails increases due to:
Without proper treatment, ingrown toenails can lead to painful infections and inflammation that limit your ability to walk and be physically active.
You should schedule an evaluation at Northside Foot & Ankle PC for an ingrown toenail as soon as you notice your nail growing into your skin. Early intervention helps you prevent complications, and Dr. Kruse can treat the problem more easily.
You also need a consultation if you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, including:
Warning signs of an infection include pus-filled blisters that leak fluids, itchy skin, and pain. Without treatment, an infection can spread from your toenails into other areas of your body and cause health complications.
If your ingrown nail hasn’t grown deep into your skin, Dr. Kruse can insert a piece of cotton under the edge of your nail so that it grows over the skin. He might also have you soak your nails in water daily to keep them soft and easier to cut.
If your ingrown nail is more severe, you’ll need a procedure to remove part or all of the nail. Dr. Kruse can do this surgically or using advanced laser technology. Your toenail will grow back, but it could take several months for that to happen.
You might also need to take antibiotics to clear active infections and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and inflammation.
To lower your risk of other ingrown toenails, Dr. Kruse can show you how to properly care for your nails by cutting them straight across and filing away sharp edges. He can recommend creams that keep your toenails and surrounding skin moisturized.
If you need treatment for a painful ingrown toenail, call the Northside Foot & Ankle PC office nearest you today or book a consultation online.