Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown Toenail services offered in Brooklyn , NY

Ingrown toenails are a common concern, affecting two in 10 people who visit their healthcare provider for foot issues. In the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, experienced podiatrist Howard Frank, DPM, treats ingrown toenails and other common toenail concerns to restore the health of your nail, toe, and foot. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Frank by calling his office or booking an appointment online today.

Ingrown Toenails Q & A

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail happens when a corner of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It’s common in big toes, especially if you don’t cut your toenails straight across. While usually not serious, severe ingrown toenails can become infected and painful or cause complications when left untreated. See Dr. Frank if you have toenail pain or an ingrown nail that has not healed.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

Redness
Warmth
Swelling
Pus
Pain
Tenderness

In some cases, an infection that develops from an ingrown toenail can spread to your toe and even the bone beneath.

What are the risk factors for ingrown toenails?

Risks for developing an ingrown toenail include:

Diabetes
Nerve damage to your legs or feet
Nail infections
Poor blood circulation
Being a teenager or an athlete
Cutting your toenails too short or rounded
Poor-fitting shoes
Toe trauma
Tearing a toenail
Having large toenails
Toenail injuries
Curved toenails
Poor nail care
Being a runner
Activities involving kicking, such as soccer

Properly care for your toenails, keep your toes clean, and trim your toenails straight across to help reduce the risk of an ingrown toenail.

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

Dr. Frank can often diagnose an ingrown toenail after evaluating your feet and toes, discussing your symptoms, and reviewing your medical history. If you have signs of an infection, he may test a sample of toenail discharge. If the infection is severe, Dr. Frank might recommend X-rays.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Your personalized ingrown toenail treatment plan may consist of:

Soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salt
Antibiotic cream with bandaging
Changing your footwear
Medications
Lifting the edge of your nail
Taping
Splinting
Laser treatment
Ingrown toenail removal surgery

Dr. Frank can remove part or all of an ingrown toenail if other treatments haven’t worked or an ingrown nail is severely painful. He follows up to ensure an effective, lasting outcome.

Prevention measures include trimming your toenails straight across, not trimming your nails too short, wearing comfortable shoes, and checking your feet regularly if you have diabetes.

Schedule an ingrown toenail evaluation today with Howard Frank, DPM, by calling his office or requesting an appointment online.