Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails can occur at any time, but if you have diabetes or poor circulation, they increase your risk of more serious problems. At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, in West Covina, California, experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Artin Shakhbandaryan, DPM, specializes in treating ingrown nails with conservative and surgical measures. Call the nearest Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center office today to schedule an ingrown nail treatment, or book your visit online.

My nail is red and swollen. Could I have an ingrown nail?

It’s likely. Ingrown nails occur when your toenail grows into the skin instead of away from your toe. As the nail grows further into your skin, it causes pain and swelling and increases the risk of infection. 

Most ingrown nails aren’t serious, but seeing a podiatrist is important anyway. That’s particularly true if you have a medical condition affecting circulation to your feet.

What are the symptoms of ingrown nails?

Ingrown nail symptoms include the following:

• Inflamed skin
• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Infection

As the problem worsens, you might notice the skin around your nail bed bleeding or oozing pus. 

What causes ingrown nails?

Ingrown nails occur for various reasons, but the most common cause is wearing tight shoes that squeeze your toes together. 

Several other factors can also contribute, including injuring your nails, having a nail infection, and cutting your toenails too short or at an angle instead of straight across. 

How does a podiatristdiagnose ingrown nails?

Dr. Shakhbandaryan reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toes. Ingrown nails are easy to identify, but he might also order X-rays to asses any underlying condition that may be causing the ingrown such as a bony outgrowth.

How does a podiatrist treat ingrown nails?

Dr. Shakhbandaryan takes a conservative and patient-centered approach to ingrown nail treatment. Because ingrown nails affect everyone differently, what might work for one person may not for another. Dr. Shakbhbandaryan might suggest:

• Lifting the nail
• Taping the nail to pull it away from the skin
• Partially removing the nail

If you regularly experience ingrown nails and they continue even after conservative treatments, you might benefit from a chemical matrixectomy. During a chemical matrixectomy, Dr. Shakhbandaryan removes your part nail to expose the nail root (or matrix). Then, he applies a chemical solution to your nail bed that prevents the nail from growing back.

Chemical matrixectomy was first developed during the 1940s and is considered safe and well-tolerated. What’s more, it provides a permanent solution for painful, ingrown nails. 

Call the nearest Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center office today to receive treatment for ingrown nails, or book your appointment online.