Is the skin around one of your toenails swollen and tender? If so, there’s a good chance you have an ingrown nail. When you first have an ingrown toenail they can become very tender. Later, it may get red and infected, and feel very sore. Ingrown toenails are a very common, painful condition that affect people of all ages.

Ingrown nails may develop for many reasons. Most ingrown nails are caused by a person’s natural curvature of their toenail. However, trauma, like stubbing your toe or having your toe stepped on, may also cause an ingrown nail. Tight fitting shoes or not trimming your nails properly can also cause the nail to grow inward.

Ingrown toenails should be treated as soon as you recognize you have one. If they are recognized early (and aren’t infected), treating them at home may prevent the need for further treatment. Home care may include soaking the footin warm water 3-4 times/day, wearing comfortable shoes with adequate room for the toes, and something over the counter for pain relief.

If excessive redness, inflammation, swelling, pain, and/or discharge are present, the toenail is probably infected and should be treated by one of the Foot and Ankle physicians right away. You can have a same-day in office procedure that is effective in eliminating the nail edge from growing back. Dr. Steven M. Block, at his Bluegrass Foot Centers Offices in Owensboro, Ky says, “The procedure permanently removes the nail border so it is no longer a chronic problem. Many patients who have suffered with ingrown nails for a long time tell me they wish they had done it years ago.”

Call us today at 270-684-5252 if you feel you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail, you will be happy you did!