An ingrown toenail can be a minor condition; however, if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects your circulation, it can increase your risk of infection and severe complications. In some cases, ingrown toenails can lead to severe infections, even in otherwise healthy individuals. At Blue Sky Foot & Ankle in Boulder, Colorado, board-certified podiatrist Meghan Morgan, DPM, routinely treats ingrown toenails. Dr. Morgan prefers a pro-active approach to ingrown toenails to reduce the risk of developing serious infections. Call Blue Sky Foot & Ankle today to schedule an evaluation, or book your appointment online.
An ingrown toenail occurs when your toenail grows into the skin around the nail. Ingrown toenails don’t always cause a wound, but when they do, it increases the risk of infection and other complications. This is particularly of concern for patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions that affect blood flow to the feet.
If you have an ingrown toenail, make an appointment at Blue Sky Foot & Ankle. Dr. Morgan has the training and expertise to prevent the problem from worsening so you can return to your daily routine without ingrown nail pain.
Ingrown toenail symptoms include:
If the nail breaks your skin and causes an infection, your nail might produce drainage, such as blood or pus.
Dr. Morgan reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toes and toenails. Ingrown toenails are typically diagnosed with a clinical exam alone, but Dr. Morgan might order X-rays as part of your work-up.
After assessing the severity of your ingrown toenail, Dr. Morgan will make personalized treatment recommendations.
At Blue Sky Foot & Ankle, Dr. Morgan could suggest:
Partially removing the nail temporarily or permanently
If an ingrown toenail punctures your skin, Dr. Morgan might recommend partially removing it. During this procedure, she numbs your toe with a local anesthetic, removes the portion of the nail growing into your skin, and may apply a chemical to prevent future ingrown toenails depending on if the patient is a candidate.
Call Blue Sky Foot & Ankle today to schedule an evaluation, or book your appointment online.