What is it and how is it treated?
An ingrown toenail is a common condition that occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, inflammation, and, in some cases, infection if not treated promptly.
This condition can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable, and can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life, making proper professional care essential.
Treatments
Treatment for ingrown toenails is carried out immediately, usually under local anesthesia and without pain. The most common techniques include:
Benefits
Our goal
At Clínica Navarro Podología, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and personalized treatment for each patient with an ingrown toenail. Our goal is to relieve pain from the very first visit, prevent recurrence, and ensure healthy, pain-free feet — promoting overall well-being and quality of life for all who trust in our care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Most ingrown toenails can be treated without surgery. Surgical treatment is usually recommended only when the problem keeps recurring or when there is a significant abnormality in the way the nail grows.
No. In most cases, only the small portion of the nail causing the problem is removed. Only in very specific situations is it necessary to treat a larger part of the nail.
Usually not. When a procedure is required, local anaesthesia is used to ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible.
Yes. In most cases, you can walk immediately after your appointment by following the care instructions provided to support a good recovery.
Yes, especially if the underlying cause remains. When ingrown toenails occur repeatedly, there are treatments that can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
No. In its early stages, it usually causes only pain and inflammation. However, if left untreated, it may eventually become infected.
You should see a podiatrist as soon as possible to assess the infection and treat its cause. Trying to cut the nail yourself or manipulating the area often makes the problem worse.
It is not recommended. Removing part of the nail without the proper technique may cause it to dig further into the skin or increase the risk of infection.
It depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment performed. In most cases, the pain improves very quickly once the offending nail fragment has been removed.
It depends on the treatment performed and the degree of inflammation. In many cases, sports can be resumed within a few days by following your podiatrist’s recommendations.
Cutting your nails straight across, wearing footwear with enough room for your toes, and seeing a podiatrist as soon as symptoms appear can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
You should seek professional assessment if you notice pain around the nail, swelling, redness, signs of infection, or if the nail becomes ingrown repeatedly. Treating the problem early usually makes recovery easier and helps prevent complications.
Is an ingrown toenail causing pain when you walk or is the area swollen?
An early assessment helps relieve pain, treat the underlying cause and prevent the nail from becoming ingrown again.
