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Medical conditions of the foot that can be treated with or without surgery with Fairbanks Foot and Ankle
Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown Toenail
At Fairbanks Foot and Ankle, we treat patients from Fairbanks, the Interior, and throughout Alaska who are dealing with painful ingrown toenails. This common condition occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Ingrown toenails most often affect the big toe and can range from mild irritation to serious infection if left untreated.
Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons, including improper toenail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, foot injuries, or naturally curved toenails. Active lifestyles, common in Alaska’s outdoor environment, can also increase the risk due to repeated pressure or trauma to the toes. Genetics may play a role as well, making some people more prone to recurring ingrown nails.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail
Early symptoms of an ingrown toenail include tenderness, swelling, and redness along the edge of the toenail. As the condition worsens, pain may increase, and drainage or pus may appear, indicating infection. Severe cases can make walking, wearing shoes, or standing for long periods very uncomfortable.
Our experienced team at Fairbanks Foot and Ankle offers a range of treatments for ingrown toenails. Mild cases may be managed with soaking, proper trimming, and protective padding. If the toenail is infected or deeply ingrown, we may recommend a simple in-office procedure to remove part of the nail and treat the surrounding tissue. For chronic or recurring ingrown toenails, permanent solutions are available to prevent regrowth.
Treatment Options for
Ingrown Toenails
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