Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can quickly become painful and make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable if not addressed early. At Pomona Valley Podiatry, Dr. Brian O’Neill carefully evaluates the affected nail and surrounding tissue to determine the severity of the condition and any signs of infection. His goal is to relieve pain, resolve the issue effectively, and prevent it from recurring.
What are Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails affect the toenails and surrounding skin of the toes, developing when the edge of the nail grows into the adjacent soft tissue. This condition, known as Onychocryptosis, is often caused by improper nail trimming, tight-fitting footwear, toe injuries, or inherited nail shape. Clinically, it occurs when the nail edge penetrates the surrounding skin, leading to inflammation and sometimes infection. Common symptoms include pain and tenderness along the nail border, redness, swelling, sensitivity to pressure, drainage or pus, and in some cases, overgrowth of skin around the nail.
Common symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
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- Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
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- Redness around the nail edge
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- Swelling of the surrounding skin
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- Sensitivity to pressure with shoes or walking
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- Pus or drainage from the area
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- Overgrowth of skin around the nail
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are diagnosed through a visual examination of the nail and surrounding tissue to assess inflammation, tenderness, and signs of infection, along with evaluation of nail shape and growth pattern. Early-stage cases can often be treated with proper trimming techniques, soaking, and gently lifting of the nail edge to relieve pressure. More advanced cases may require a minor in-office procedure to remove part of the nail, sometimes combined with local care or antibiotics if an infection is present, while severe or recurring cases can be treated with a permanent partial nail removal procedure to prevent improper regrowth of the problematic portion.
Why choose
Pomona Valley Podiatry?
At Pomona Valley Podiatry, treatment for ingrown toenails focuses on providing relief while addressing the underlying cause to prevent future problems. Dr. Brian O’Neill develops personalized care plans based on the severity and recurrence of the condition. Whether through conservative care or minor procedures, his approach is designed to restore comfort, promote healing, and help you avoid ongoing discomfort.