What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a small problem that can feel like a big one.
Just imagine the edge of that nail starting to grow into the skin next to it. That’s an ingrown toenail. It most often happens on the big toe, and it can quickly become painful.
At first, you might just notice tenderness along the side of your nail. Maybe it feels sore when you press on it or when your shoe touches it. The skin might look a little red or swollen. But as the nail keeps growing into the skin, the area can become more irritated.
For many people, this is when it becomes obvious. Walking starts to hurt. Wearing shoes feels uncomfortable. The skin around the nail may swell more, feel warm, or even start to drain fluid or pus if it becomes infected.
Book OnlineWhy do people get ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can happen for a few reasons. Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Tight shoes can press the nail inward. Sometimes, it’s just the natural shape of your nail.
As the pain continues or shows signs of infection, it’s time to seek treatment.
That’s where nail avulsion comes in.
Nail avulsion is a simple, effective in-office procedure designed to solve the problem at its source. Dr. Graham carefully numbs your toe, so you stay comfortable. Then, he removes the part of the nail that is growing into the skin, typically only about 2mm wide. In some cases, a special solution is used to prevent that edge of the nail from growing back the same way.
What is the result and recovery?
Relief that feels almost immediate. Pressure is gone. Pain fades. Healing begins. After the procedure the toe remains numb for approximately 4 hours. Most people can return to normal activities quickly, with simple care to keep the area clean and protected. It’s recommended to wear sandals to your evaluation visit. Excel Foot & Ankle recommends to post-care kit that includes the necessary saline, gauze, ointment and bandages.
It’s a small fix with a big impact—restoring comfort, step by step, so you can get back to moving through your day without pain.
