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Ingrown Toenails Specialist

Southwest Foot & Ankle Our Services Ingrown Toenails

Southwest Foot & Ankle

Foot and Ankle Specialist located in Durango, CO, Cortez, CO & Farmington, NM

Having an Ingrown Toenail can cause agonizing pain with each step you take, but it can also lead to a severe infection. If you have an Ingrown Toenail, or if it seems like you continuously get them, schedule an exam at Southwest Foot & Ankle in Durango, Colorado, Cortez, Colorado or Farmington, New Mexico. Nicholas Hugentobler, DPM, and the podiatry team offer fast and effective Ingrown Toenail solutions, so you won’t have to live another day in discomfort.

Book your Ingrown Toenail appointment by calling either office or booking online today.

Ingrown Toenails Q & A

Why do I have an Ingrown Toenail?

Even though your toenail should ideally grow up and over your nail bed, in some cases, it starts growing into your skin. This is called an Ingrown Toenail. One of the top causes of an Ingrown Toenail is improper trimming.

For instance, if you tear your toenails or curve the edges while cutting, as that nail grows, it’s more likely to dig into your skin. But poor pedicure habits aren’t the only thing to blame when it comes to Ingrown Toenails. You can also develop this painful condition and possible infection due to:

  • Trauma or injury
  • Uncontrolled diabetes 
  • Stress from exercise activities
  • Shoe pressure or toe crowding

Sometimes, Ingrown Toenails develop because of your inherited nail shape. If your nails are abnormally curved, your chance of regularly having Ingrown Toenails increases. 

Are there symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail?

Yes, and because an Ingrown Toenail can quickly progress into a dangerous infection, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms so you know when it’s time to head to Southwest Foot & Ankle. An Ingrown Toenail can lead to:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Oozing 

You might even find that your toe has a foul odor, which is often a clear indicator that you have an infection. Since untreated Ingrown Toenails can lead to severe bone infections, it’s important to get treatment at Southwest Foot & Ankle right away. 

What is the treatment for an Ingrown Toenail?

Your Ingrown Toenail treatment at Southwest Foot & Ankle depends on the severity of your condition. If you have a minor Ingrown Toenail, for example, you may benefit from a simple nail splint. This treatment involves placing a splint under your toenail to encourage your nail to grow up and over your skin.

But if your Ingrown Toenail is severely embedded into your skin, or if it’s infected, you might need Ingrown Toenail surgery. This procedure involves thoroughly numbing your toe. Dr. Hugentobler gently trims away the ingrown part of your nail so that they can treat any underlying infection.

If you continue struggling with Ingrown Toenails, Dr. Hugentobler might suggest removing your entire toenail. He can treat your nail bed with a chemical solution or laser so your nail doesn’t grow back.

Before your Ingrown Toenail worsens, schedule an evaluation at Southwest Foot & Ankle. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or book online today.