Ingrown Toenail Specialist
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South Sound Foot & Ankle
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery & Diabetic Wound Care Specialist located in Olympia, WA
You no longer have to deal with or hide your ingrown toenails when gifted podiatrist Mark Hopkins, DPM, has solutions at South Sound Foot & Ankle in Olympia, Washington. Dr. Hopkins provides a permanent and convenient correction procedure and other effective solutions. Dr. Hopkins understands ingrown toenails can be more than just a cosmetic problem and that they can lead to more serious complications without proper treatment. For more information or to book your consultation, click or call South Sound Foot & Ankle today.
Ingrown Toenail Q&A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of your toenail grows the wrong way into your skin and soft flesh, usually on your big toe.
An ingrown toenail can cause inflammation, swelling, redness, pain, and pus drainage if the nail cuts into your skin. Many ingrown toenails get better on their own, but more severe cases can lead to a bone infection.
Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can cause poor blood flow to the feet and increase your risk of getting ingrown toenail complications like gangrene of the toe.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Certain factors might be involved in the development of ingrown toenails, such as:
- Toenails that are unusually curved or shaped
- Toenail injury
- Fungus infection
- Poor foot structure
- Oversized nail bed edges that are pushing into your skin
- Poor posture
- Poor hygiene
Shoe pressure and improperly fitting shoes can also lead to ingrown toenails.
What can I do at home to take care of my ingrown toenail?
At home, you can file and trim your nails properly to soften their edges.
You can also soak your feet in warm water twice a day for 20 minutes to reduce swelling and tenderness. Place padding or bandages around your ingrown toenail for protection and comfort.
If your at-home methods aren’t working and you have concerns about your ingrown toenail, visit South Sound Foot & Ankle for personalized care.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Dr. Hopkins usually starts with a physical exam and might request certain tests for severe cases, such as X-rays.
Dr. Hopkins might recommend several treatments for your ingrown toenail, such as:
- Orthotic devices like separators
- Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription antibiotic medication
To give you temporary relief, Dr. Hopkins might clip the corner of your toenail quickly and conveniently in the office without anesthesia.
If you only have a slightly overgrown toenail, Dr. Hopkins might lift the edge of the nail and place a splint, cotton, or some other material to separate your nail from your skin.
If you have infected, recurring, or severe ingrown toenails, Dr. Hopkins might suggest removing a part or all of your underlying nail and tissue. Dr. Hopkins gently applies a special medical chemical or an acid to your nail root. He can usually perform this convenient procedure with a local anesthetic in-office and without any downtime.
Dr. Hopkins provides standard procedures and permanent solutions, so your ingrown toenail doesn’t come back. Get the high-quality treatment you deserve for your podiatric concerns and call South Sound Foot & Ankle or schedule via the web.
