Ingrown Toenails

Podiatry & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Beavercreek, OH

Ingrown toenails typically aren’t something to worry about. But if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects circulation to your feet, they increase the risk of infection, gangrene, and amputation. At Feet First Institute of Beavercreek in Beavercreek, Ohio, experienced podiatrist Stephan Giambi, DPM, provides complete care for ingrown toenails, including professional nail trimming and removal. Call Feet First Institute of Beavercreek today to schedule ingrown toenail treatment, or book your appointment online.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur when your toenail grows into your skin instead of away from your toe. Almost everyone gets an ingrown toenail at some point.

Most ingrown toenails cause mild pain and eventually heal; even so, seeing a podiatrist is recommended. Without professional treatment, an ingrown toenail increases your risk of severe problems.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenail symptoms include:

Inflamed skin
Pain
Tenderness
Swelling

If your toenail gets infected, it might ooze blood or pus.

When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?

Make an appointment at Feet First Institute of Beavercreek if you have a painful ingrown toenail and the skin around it is red or sensitive to the touch.

That’s particularly true if you have diabetes or another health problem that slows circulation to your lower extremities. Poor circulation affects wound healing; you might develop an infection or gangrene (tissue death).

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

Dr. Giambi reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toe and toenail. Ingrown toenails are obvious and don’t require special testing. However, Dr. Giambi might order X-rays or a CT scan to see how far the nail has penetrated the skin.

If your ingrown nail is infected, he takes a small tissue sample for analysis to determine the best treatment.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

At Feet First Institute of Beavercreek, Dr. Giambi treats ingrown toenails using a conservative and integrative approach. He could suggest:

Lifting the nail with dental floss or cotton so it grows away from your toe
Pulling the nail away from your toe with tape so it grows outward
Placing a splint beneath the nail to guide its growth
Partially removing the toenail (trimming the nail)
Oral or intravenous antibiotics (if the nail is infected)

If you experience ingrown toenails regularly, Dr. Giambi might recommend removing the nail. He numbs your toe with a local anesthetic and uses chemicals or a laser to remove your toenail and the underlying tissue.

Removing a nail stops it from growing back, eliminating the risk of infection.

Can ingrown toenails be prevented?

You can’t prevent ingrown toenails altogether, but you can reduce your risk. Dr. Giambi recommends trimming your toenails straight across and wearing shoes with plenty of toe room.

Call Feet First Institute of Beavercreek today for ingrown toenail treatment, or book your appointment online.