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Pediatric Foot Care

Ingrown Toenails

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for ingrown toenails, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Pediatric Foot Care

Understanding ingrown toenails and your options.

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin beside it. This most often affects the big toe. The skin can become sore, swollen, and sometimes infected.

Teens and adults both get them, and they can start from small daily habits. Pain often builds slowly. Early care can help you avoid infection and stay comfortable in your shoes.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Ingrown Toenails care

Symptoms

Signs of ingrown toenails.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Tenderness along the side of the nail

  • 02

    Redness and swelling around the toe

  • 03

    Pain when a shoe or sock touches the toe

  • 04

    Drainage or a bad smell if infected

Why it happens

What can cause ingrown toenails.

  • 01

    Cutting nails too short or curved at the edges

  • 02

    Shoes that squeeze the toes

  • 03

    Stubbing or dropping something on the toe

  • 04

    Curved nails that run in families

Care groupPediatric Foot Care

Diagnosis and care

How we treat ingrown toenails.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We look at the nail edge and the skin around it, and check for signs of infection. The diagnosis is usually clear from the exam. If a bone problem or deep infection is a concern, an X-ray may be used.

Step 2 · Treatment

For mild cases, we may show you how to soak the toe and lift the nail edge gently. Roomier shoes and correct nail trimming help. If there is infection, we may prescribe treatment for it. For a painful nail, a minor in-office procedure can remove the part of the nail that is digging in, often after numbing the toe.

If the nail keeps coming back, a minor procedure can treat the nail edge so that part is less likely to grow again. This is done in the office in many cases.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

After a minor procedure, most people feel much better within days and heal in a few weeks. Your toe may need simple dressing changes during that time.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist if the toe is very painful, red, or draining. Come in right away if you have diabetes or poor circulation, even if the toe seems mildly sore.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Pediatric Foot Care.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Can I fix an ingrown nail at home?

Mild cases can improve with warm soaks and better shoes. Do not dig at the nail, especially if it looks infected.

Will the nail grow back normally?

In most cases, yes. If a portion was treated to stop regrowth, that edge may stay narrower.

Get help with ingrown toenails.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Ingrown Toenails care at 15 clinics.

All care groups