INGROWN TOENAILS

Toenail problems are commonly caused by improper trimming, minor injuries, repeated irritation, or nail fungus. Some nail deformities can also be congenital. Sports enthusiasts often sustain injuries to the nail plate that change the contour of the nail that lead to an ingrown toenail. Regardless of its cause, an ingrown toenail can be a very painful experience.

Fortunately, if conservative therapy such as wider or softer shoes don't successfully reduce the pain and infection of an ingrown toenail, the surgeons at Northwest Podiatry Centers have a simple solution for this painful, sometimes serious, problem.

After the toe has been anesthetized, the ingrown portion of the nail is clipped back to the nail root just as it begins to curve downward. The nail root and offending portion of nail is removed, and a chemical is then applied. The result is that only the straight portion of the nail will grow out, resulting in a normal appearing nail with no pain. After-care consists of twice daily soaking of the toe, application of a topical antibiotic and covering with a Band-Aid. Patients are able to resume normal activity and shoes immediately.

If you have been suffering from ingrown or deformed toenails, and would like to know what can be done to correct the problem, or have any further questions, be sure to E-mail your request to drchvala@nwpodiatry.com, and please remember to fill in your “subject line” regarding your request for information  to ensure a prompt reply.