2752 North Southport Avenue
(at Diversey)
Chicago, IL 60614
773-327-0006
Serving Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Greater Chicagoland Communities
Ingrown Toenails
Dr. Debra Young and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your feet. Please use our podiatric library to learn more about foot problems and treatments available.We have articles on prevention and treatment. There are also conditions that are in the big toe that are not bunions. You need to know about these also so you can be well informed. Hallux Rigidus and hallus limitus describe stiffness in the great toe joints; but without a big angle. We call them "no sympathy" bunions because one's friends remark "how can it hurt if it looks so normal". If that sounds familiar read about those conditions under foot problems and foot deformities.
If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.
We also have booklets you can request free of charge; select contact us and send us an email to get them.
Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.
In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:
- Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
- Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
- Keeping feet clean at all times.