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Ingrown Toenails

Treatment of painful ingrown toenails in Southern California

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What are ingrown toenails?

When your toenail grows into the surrounding soft skin instead of over it, you’re experiencing an ingrown toenail. This painful condition most commonly affects the big toe, where the nail’s corner or entire side can curve downward and embed itself into your skin. While some cases respond to home care like warm water soaks, others require professional medical intervention to prevent complications and provide relief.

doctor performing procedure on an ingrown toenail

Did you know…

…that ingrown toenails are a very common condition? In fact, 1 in 20 people get one every year, making them one of the most common foot conditions we treat at SCMSC. While both men and women can develop ingrown toenails, women often face a higher risk due to footwear choices, particularly narrow-toed shoes and high heels that compress the toes. Understanding your risk factors and recognizing early symptoms can help prevent serious complications.

When to Seek Professional Treatment

Many people wonder when an ingrown toenail requires medical attention. Watch for these warning signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional care:

Early Warning Signs

  • Mild discomfort and pressure around the nail edge
  • Redness along the nail border
  • Sensitivity when wearing shoes
  • Visible nail growth into surrounding skin

Urgent Warning Signs

  • Severe pain or throbbing
  • Significant swelling and redness
  • Warmth around the affected area
  • Signs of infection or drainage

Professional Treatment Options at SCMSC

At Southern California Multi-Specialty Center, Dr. Nazarian offers several treatment approaches based on the severity of your condition. For mildly ingrown nails, we may employ conservative techniques like professional nail lifting and splinting, which helps guide the nail to grow properly over the skin rather than into it.

When dealing with more severe cases, we provide a precise partial nail removal procedure. This treatment begins with ensuring your comfort through proper numbing techniques. Using sterile surgical instruments, Dr. Nazarian carefully removes the problematic portion of the nail, providing immediate relief while allowing for proper healing and nail regrowth.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following your treatment, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and any necessary topical medications to ensure proper healing. Most patients experience significant relief immediately after treatment, with complete healing occurring over the following weeks. Your new nail will typically grow in naturally within a few months.

Prevention: Key to Long-Term Relief

Preventing future ingrown toenails involves several important practices. Proper nail trimming technique is crucial – always cut straight across rather than curving the corners. Footwear choices also play a vital role. Select shoes that provide adequate toe room, avoiding styles that compress your toes or put excessive pressure on your nails.

Custom Solutions for Your Feet

At SCMSC, we understand that each patient’s feet are unique. We’ll work with you to develop personalized prevention strategies that consider your lifestyle, footwear needs, and any underlying conditions that might contribute to ingrown toenails.

Dr. Francine Nazarian, top-rated podiatrist of SCMSC in Los Angeles

Francine Nazarian, DPM

Expert Care with Dr. Nazarian

As a leading podiatrist in Los Angeles, Dr. Nazarian brings extensive experience in treating ingrown toenails. Our approach combines gentle, effective treatment with education to prevent future occurrences. We prioritize your comfort and long-term foot health, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care for your specific situation.

Take Action for Healthy Toes

Don’t let an ingrown toenail impact your daily activities or develop into a more serious condition. Early intervention often leads to simpler treatment and faster recovery. Contact Southern California Multi-Specialty Center today for expert care and lasting relief.

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

Can an infected ingrown toenail heal on its own?

While mild ingrown toenails might respond to home care, an infected ingrown toenail requires professional medical attention. Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, warmth, and possible drainage from the affected area. Attempting to treat an infected ingrown toenail at home can lead to serious complications, especially for patients with diabetes or poor circulation. At SCMSC, we provide prompt treatment to address both the infection and the underlying nail problem, ensuring proper healing and preventing recurrence.

How long is the recovery period after ingrown toenail surgery?

Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours after professional ingrown toenail treatment. Initial tenderness is common but typically resolves quickly. While the nail regrows, which takes several months, you can wear regular shoes and resume most activities once initial healing occurs. At SCMSC, we provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up care to ensure optimal healing and prevent future problems. The exact recovery timeline varies based on the extent of treatment needed and your body’s natural healing process.

What makes SCMSC's approach to ingrown toenail treatment different?

At Southern California Multi-Specialty Center, we focus on both immediate relief and long-term prevention. Unlike rushed urgent care experiences, we take time to understand the root cause of your ingrown toenail – whether it’s footwear choices, nail-cutting habits, or inherited nail shape. Our treatment plans include not just addressing the current problem, but also providing education and preventive strategies tailored to your lifestyle. We use advanced techniques for maximum comfort during procedures and offer ongoing support to prevent future occurrences. This comprehensive approach helps ensure you achieve lasting relief from ingrown toenail problems.

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