Ingrown Nails

Ingrown Nails services offered in Great Neck and Mineola, NY

Ingrown nails can be painful and frustrating, making everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. When your nail grows into the surrounding skin, you can experience redness, swelling, and infection. At Comprehensive Podiatric Care, Brian Lynn, DPM, MBA, and the team provide expert care and relieve your pain. If you’re suffering from an ingrown nail, call the office in Great Neck or Mineola, New York, today or book an appointment online.

What are ingrown nails?

An ingrown nail develops when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. While the condition can affect any toe, it most commonly occurs in your big toe.

If left untreated, an ingrown nail can lead to infection and more serious complications, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

What causes ingrown nails?

Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrown nail, including:

Improper nail trimming

Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to grow into your skin.

Tight or ill-fitting shoes

Shoes that put excessive pressure on your toes can push your nails into your surrounding skin.

Injury or trauma

Stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on it, or repeated stress from activities like running can lead to an ingrown nail.

Genetics

It’s possible to inherit a natural tendency for curved or thick nails, making them more prone to ingrown nails.

Poor foot hygiene

Keeping your feet excessively moist or failing to keep your nails clean can contribute to the problem.

What are the symptoms of ingrown nails?

Common signs of an ingrown toenail include:

Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of your nail
Redness and swelling around your nail
Increased sensitivity when walking or wearing shoes
Drainage of pus or infection in severe cases

If you notice signs of infection, such as severe swelling, warmth, pus, or a foul odor, seek Dr. Lynn’s medical attention promptly.

How are ingrown nails treated?

At Comprehensive Podiatric Care, your treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition.

Nonsurgical treatments include:

Warm saltwater soaks to reduce swelling
Proper nail trimming techniques to prevent worsening
Antibiotic creams to prevent infection
Cotton or dental floss under the nail to guide growth away from the skin

Surgical treatments include:

Partial nail removal (carefully trims the ingrown portion of the nail to relieve discomfort)
Matrixectomy (treats the nail root to prevent regrowth for recurring ingrown nails)

For expert ingrown nail treatment that can restore your comfort and prevent future issues, call Comprehensive Podiatric Care today. You can also book online.