When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?

Seek evaluation for persistent pain, repeated episodes, drainage, or increasing redness. Diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation make professional assessment particularly important. Fever or spreading redness requires prompt medical attention.

What is the difference between partial avulsion and matrixectomy?

Partial avulsion removes the troublesome nail border. Matrixectomy treats its root to reduce regrowth. Matrixectomy is considered when appropriate, not included automatically for every patient, and recurrence is still possible.

Do I need antibiotics?

Not every ingrown nail requires antibiotics. The clinician evaluates the extent of any infection and your health to decide whether medication, a nail procedure, or other care is needed.

What will my nail look like afterward?

Treating one border may leave the nail narrower. Appearance, comfort, and healing vary. Your clinician will explain the expected change and risks before a procedure.

Is the ingrown toenail package for everyone?

The package is designed for uninsured patients paying out of pocket. It includes evaluation, partial nail avulsion, matrixectomy if clinically appropriate, and follow-up. Patients with insurance can schedule an evaluation to discuss their care and benefits.

Services & Treatments

Condition Guide

Ingrown Toenails

Painful nails that grow into surrounding skin, treated conservatively or surgically.

01Overview

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of the nail plate curves downward and penetrates the surrounding soft tissue (nail fold), triggering pain, inflammation, and - if untreated - infection. The great toe is most commonly affected. Ingrown toenails range in severity from mild discomfort managed conservatively at home to severe infections requiring surgical intervention, particularly in patients with diabetes or compromised circulation.

02Causes & Etiology

The primary mechanical cause of ingrown toenails is the lateral nail edge being forced into the periungual skin. This results from cutting nails too short or at an angle (leaving a nail spicule), wearing shoes or socks that compress the toes, and congenitally curved (involuted) nail plates that naturally exert pressure on the nail folds. Trauma to the toe - such as stubbing or repetitive microtrauma from running - can also cause the nail to grow abnormally. In some individuals, the nail is inherently wide relative to the nail bed, predisposing them to recurrent ingrown nails regardless of cutting technique.

Risk Factors

Improper nail trimming (too short, rounded at the corners, or leaving a spicule)
Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks that compress the forefoot
Naturally curved (involuted or pincer) nail shape
Injury or repetitive trauma to the nail
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating, softening the nail fold skin)
Obesity (increased pressure on the forefoot)
Diabetes or peripheral vascular disease (elevated complication risk)
Adolescence and young adulthood (most common age group)

03Signs & Symptoms

Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the toenail
Redness and swelling of the skin beside and around the nail
Skin that appears to be growing over the nail edge
A feeling of pressure or throbbing in the toe
Drainage of fluid (clear or purulent) indicating infection
Warmth, increased redness, and pus if infection has developed
Difficulty wearing closed-toe shoes due to pain

When to See Dr. Golan

Seek prompt care for spreading redness, pus, or an ingrown nail with diabetes or poor circulation. Fever or feeling seriously unwell needs urgent medical assessment. For persistent or recurring cases, partial nail avulsion and, when appropriate, matrixectomy may reduce recurrence, but do not guarantee a permanent cure.

Choosing treatment for an ingrown toenail

Mild irritation without infection may respond to roomy footwear and clinician-guided nail care. Do not dig into the corners or attempt to cut out an embedded nail edge. Patients with diabetes, loss of sensation, or poor circulation should seek professional advice rather than attempt home treatment.

Partial nail avulsion and matrixectomy

For an embedded or repeatedly painful nail edge, an office procedure may remove the affected border after local anesthesia. A partial avulsion removes that portion of nail. Matrixectomy treats the corresponding nail root to reduce regrowth and recurrence when clinically appropriate. It may leave the nail narrower; recurrence, drainage, infection, and delayed healing remain possible.

Infection, aftercare, and follow-up

Antibiotics are not automatically required for every ingrown nail; the examination determines whether infection needs additional treatment. Follow the practice's written wound-care and activity instructions after a procedure and attend follow-up. Increasing redness, drainage, warmth, worsening pain, fever, or feeling unwell warrants prompt contact. Spreading infection or serious illness needs urgent medical assessment.

Package for Uninsured Patients