Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail develops when the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the soft skin around it. This most commonly occurs on the big toe, though it can affect any toe. As the nail digs into the skin, it can cause irritation, inflammation, and in some cases, infection.

At Iowa Ortho, we treat ingrown toenails with both conservative care and in-office procedures to relieve pain and prevent recurrence.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can result from a variety of everyday habits and physical factors, including:

• Wearing tight shoes that crowd your toes
• Cutting toenails too short or not straight across
• Injury to the toenail (e.g., stubbing or dropping something on the toe)
• Having naturally curved toenails or an inherited nail shape

Signs and Symptoms
Watch for these common signs:

• Pain or tenderness along the edge of the toenail
• Redness, swelling, or warmth
• Drainage or pus, which may indicate infection
• Discomfort when wearing shoes or walking

At-Home Treatment Options
If symptoms are mild, you may try the following remedies:

• Soak your foot in warm water 3–4 times a day to reduce inflammation
• Keep your foot clean and dry when not soaking
• Wear roomy, comfortable shoes that avoid putting pressure on the toe

However, if pain persists or worsens, professional care is recommended.

In-Office Treatments at Iowa Ortho
Our podiatrists offer effective, minimally invasive options to treat ingrown toenails:

• Lifting the nail: Gently separating the nail from the skin to allow it to grow out properly
• Partial nail removal: Removing the ingrown portion under local anesthesia
• Removing nail and tissue: For chronic cases, a small portion of the nail and nail bed may be removed to prevent regrowth in that area

These procedures are quick, done in-office, and typically have a short recovery time.

When to See a Specialist
Schedule an appointment if:

• Pain is persistent or spreading
• You notice signs of infection (redness, pus, or warmth)
• You have diabetes or poor circulation, which increases your risk for complications
• You’ve had repeated ingrown toenails on the same toe

Prompt treatment can prevent more serious issues and ensure proper healing.

How Iowa Ortho Can Help
At Iowa Ortho, our foot and ankle specialists understand that even small problems like ingrown toenails can have a big impact. We’re here to help you feel better quickly, whether you need guidance on home care or a permanent solution for recurring toenail problems.