When Does an Ingrown Toenail Require Professional Care?

An ingrown toenail might start as a small irritation, causing redness, mild swelling, or tenderness along the edge of your toe. But as you might know, it can quickly turn into something much more painful. 

Here at Florida Foot and Ankle Associates in Boca Raton, Florida, our board-certified podiatrist, Pritesh Patel, DPM, is an expert who treats ingrown toenails and gives guidance on how to prevent them.

Ingrown toenails develop when the corner or side of a nail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. While some mild cases improve with simple home care, others need attention from a medical professional like Dr. Patel to prevent worsening infection, lingering pain, or long-term complications.

So how do you know when it’s time to stop soaking, stop hoping, and schedule an appointment? Some of the signs include:

Persistent pain that doesn’t improve

It’s normal for an ingrown toenail to feel tender at first, especially when you’re walking or wearing shoes. But if the pain continues for several days or intensifies instead of easing, that’s a sign the nail is digging deeper or inflammation is getting worse. 

Ongoing discomfort means you should schedule an appointment with us at Florida Foot and Ankle Associates.

Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth

A little redness around the nail is common, but spreading redness, swelling, or heat in the area can indicate an infection. Once infection sets in, home remedies aren’t usually enough. 

Dr. Patel can clean the area, remove the portion of the nail causing the issue, and prescribe antibiotics if needed.

Drainage, odor, or pus

Any drainage from the toe, especially yellow or green pus, is a clear sign that bacteria have entered the skin. 

An infected ingrown toenail won’t heal on its own and can become increasingly painful. Dr. Patel’s prompt care can stop the infection before it spreads or becomes more serious.

Difficulty walking or wearing shoes

If pressure from your shoes makes your toe throb or you find yourself adjusting your gait to avoid pain, it’s time for expert help. Sometimes, removal of a tiny portion of nail is all you need to relieve pressure and to allow you to return to normal activity.

Recurring ingrown toenails

If you keep getting ingrown nails on the same toe, the cause may be genetics, your nail shape, or how you’re trimming your toenails. Dr. Patel can treat the current issue and, if needed, perform a simple procedure to prevent that portion of the nail from growing back.

You have diabetes or circulation problems

If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, seek Dr. Patel’s medical care at the first sign of an ingrown toenail. Even mild symptoms can escalate quickly. That’s why avoiding complications is a must.

If something feels off or if you notice any warning signs, don’t wait to get the timely treatment you deserve. It can make all the difference.

Click here to book online or call our friendly team at 561-202-1103, whether you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail or any foot issue. We have the expertise to help you with pain relief.