What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding soft skin instead of growing straight outward. This commonly affects the big toe and can cause significant pain, swelling, redness, and irritation.

Ingrown toenails are often caused by improper nail trimming, tight-fitting footwear, repetitive pressure, trauma to the toe, or genetic nail shape abnormalities. If left untreated, the condition can lead to infection, drainage, and difficulty walking or wearing closed-toe shoes comfortably.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options

At our New York foot clinic, we evaluate the severity of the ingrown toenail and determine the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall foot health.

Mild cases may be treated conservatively by carefully trimming or removing the ingrown portion of the nail. More advanced cases involving severe pain, swelling, or infection may require a minor in-office surgical procedure to safely remove the problematic portion of the nail and relieve pressure on the surrounding tissue.

Our goal is to eliminate discomfort, prevent infection, restore healthy nail growth, and help reduce the risk of recurrence.

With proper treatment, most patients experience rapid relief from pain, swelling, and irritation while restoring healthy nail growth and foot function.

Although treatment is often very successful, ingrown toenails can occasionally recur depending on nail shape, footwear habits, and other contributing factors. Ongoing preventative care may help reduce recurrence risk.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Conservative Nail Care

For mild ingrown toenails, the ingrown edge of the nail may be carefully clipped or adjusted to reduce pressure and irritation while allowing the area to heal.

Infection Treatment & Pain Relief

If infection or inflammation is present, treatment may include topical or oral medications to reduce swelling, redness, drainage, and pain.

In-Office Ingrown Toenail Procedure

More severe cases may require a minor surgical procedure performed in the office to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and relieve discomfort. This procedure is designed to provide fast and effective symptom relief.

Footwear & Nail Care Recommendations

Patients may receive guidance on proper nail trimming techniques, footwear modifications, and preventative care to reduce the likelihood of future ingrown toenails.

Treatment Duration & Recovery

Recovery following an ingrown toenail procedure is generally quick and uncomplicated. Most patients recover within approximately 10 to 14 days.

Patients are often advised to wear an open-toed surgical shoe or boot for the first few days after treatment to minimize pressure on the toe and support healing. Proper wound care and follow-up instructions are also provided to reduce the risk of infection and recurrence.

Say Hello to Beautiful and Healthy Feet

At our NYC foot clinic, our team of award-winning foot doctors are able to successfully and quickly treat your ingrown toenail to restore the function and aesthetics to your foot.

Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, we help you get back to healthy and happy living. Call us at 917-398-3668 or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes scar tissue builds up in a tendon and causes the tendon to lose its elasticity. At that point, chronic Achilles tendinitis can be treated by removing the scar tissue using a minimally invasive procedure like Tenex. This uses a wand that transmits ultrasonic energy to break through the scar tissue leaving healthy tissue behind. Downtime is minimal and return to normal activity is about a week.

Warm-up before and cool down after your workout routine. Slowly increase the intensity of your exercise over a period of time. If you’re using equipment at the gym, make sure you know how to use it safely and also with the form and posture. If unsure, always ask!
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Grab a resistance band (or even a stretchy t-shirt)! Place the band or shirt around the ball of your foot. Pull the two ends of the band or shirt towards you until you feel a nice stretch in the back of your leg. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times for both legs!

Achilles tendonitis rarely requires surgery. However, if treatment is delayed or neglected, there could be further damage such as a tendon tear. This would require surgical repair, and although we can do this with minimally invasive techniques, it is better to prevent damage when possible. Don’t ignore your pain. See your podiatrist as soon as possible.

RELATED SERVICES

By accurately diagnosing, treating, and preventing lower leg, foot, and ankle conditions and ailments, we get you on your way back to healthy feet!Β  We use conservative care and only activate surgeries when absolutely necessary.Β  Here are some of the foot and ankle conditions we treat. Get that peace of mind, and reach out and book an appointment with us today!

ANKLE SPRAIN

BUNION/HALLUX VALGUS

MORTON'S NEUROMA

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

TESTIMONIAL

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Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.

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Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.

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Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!

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“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.

Travis

All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!

Fresh

Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good πŸ™πŸΏπŸ€© thanks

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