An ingrown toenail happens when the edge or corner of the nail presses into the surrounding skin. It most often affects the big toe and can cause tenderness, swelling, redness, pressure in shoes, and pain when walking. Some ingrown toenails remain mild, but others become infected or keep coming back.

At Foot & Ankle Specialists in West Jordan, Dr. Trevor R. Williams treats ingrown toenails with a focus on relieving pain, reducing infection risk, and helping prevent recurring nail problems. Knowing when to seek care is important, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, nerve symptoms, or a history of foot wounds.

What Does an Ingrown Toenail Feel Like?

An ingrown toenail may begin as mild soreness along one side of the nail. The toe may feel tender when touched or when wearing closed shoes. As the nail continues pressing into the skin, the area may become more painful, swollen, or irritated.

Some patients notice redness around the nail border, drainage, warmth, or extra skin tissue forming near the painful edge. These signs may suggest that the toe is becoming inflamed or infected and should be evaluated by a podiatrist.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons. Trimming nails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail edge to grow into the skin. Tight shoes, narrow toe boxes, repeated pressure, toe injuries, sports activity, thick toenails, nail fungus, and inherited nail shape can also contribute.

For some patients, the problem is not a one-time issue. The nail may keep growing into the same area because of its shape, pressure from footwear, or repeated irritation. In recurring cases, professional treatment may be needed to prevent the cycle from continuing.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should schedule a podiatry visit if the toe is very painful, swollen, red, warm, draining, or difficult to wear shoes with. You should also seek care if the ingrown toenail keeps returning, affects walking, or does not improve with basic self-care.

Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, immune system concerns, or a history of foot ulcers should not wait for the problem to become severe. Even a small nail problem can become more serious when healing is reduced or sensation is limited.

Signs an Ingrown Toenail May Be Infected

Possible infection signs include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, pus, worsening pain, or skin that looks irritated around the nail. If the toe becomes more painful rather than improving, it is best to have it checked.

Trying to dig out the nail at home can make the problem worse, especially if the skin is already inflamed. A podiatrist can safely evaluate the nail edge and recommend the right treatment based on severity.

How a Podiatrist Treats an Ingrown Toenail

Treatment depends on how severe the ingrown toenail is. Mild cases may improve with pressure relief, proper nail care guidance, footwear changes, and careful monitoring. More painful or infected cases may require an in-office procedure to remove the portion of nail causing pressure.

For recurring ingrown toenails, Dr. Williams may discuss a procedure designed to reduce the chance of the same nail edge growing back into the skin. The goal is to relieve pain, protect the toe, and prevent repeat problems whenever possible.

Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented?

Prevention starts with proper nail trimming. Toenails should usually be cut straight across rather than rounded deeply into the corners. Shoes should have enough room in the toe box so the nail is not pressed into the surrounding skin.

If your nails are thick, curved, difficult to trim, or affected by fungus, professional nail care may help reduce irritation. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation should be especially careful with nail care and foot inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Toenails

Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own?

Mild irritation may improve if pressure is reduced early, but a true ingrown toenail that keeps digging into the skin may not resolve without treatment. If pain, swelling, redness, or drainage develops, schedule a podiatry visit.

Is an ingrown toenail dangerous?

For many healthy patients, an ingrown toenail is painful but manageable. For patients with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or immune concerns, it can become more serious and should be evaluated sooner.

Will removing part of the nail hurt?

In-office treatment is typically performed with local numbing when needed. The goal is to make the procedure comfortable and relieve the painful nail pressure.

Schedule Ingrown Toenail Care in West Jordan

If you have an ingrown toenail that is painful, swollen, infected, or recurring, Foot & Ankle Specialists can help. Dr. Trevor R. Williams provides careful toenail evaluation and treatment for patients in West Jordan and the greater Salt Lake area.