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Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Anaheim and Lakewood, CA

An ingrown toenail is also known as onychocryptosis. It is a common condition in which the nail plate grows into the surrounding periungual skin. The condition causes inflammation and, in many cases, infection. It usually affects the hallux (big toe) and can occur at any age. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can cause pain, discomfort, and even disability. Visit Care Podiatry in Anaheim or Lakewood, CA, to get the evaluation done as early as possible.

Why Do Ingrown Toenails Happen?

Ingrown toenails can be caused by various factors. One of the most common causes is wearing footwear that is too tight and doesn’t fit properly. Tight footwear can cause discomfort to the toenails. Sometimes, if your shoes, socks, or stockings are too small, these can compress the toes.

In most cases, if you have naturally large toenails or they are naturally curved and thick, you are more likely to get ingrown toenails. Toenails become thick due to aging, fungal nail infections, poor circulation, or nail psoriasis. Even a minor injury, such as having your toe stepped on or dropping something heavy on your foot, can lead to ingrown toenails.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Start with general care.

Soak your foot in warm, soapy water or water with Epsom salts for 10-20 min to reduce swelling. Keep your toes clean and dry after soaking and avoid squeezing, as it will only make the condition worse.

After soaking, place a small cotton under the ingrown edge to gently lift it away from the skin. Use special splints or medical tape to pull the nail away from the soft tissue. In some cases, you can use professional devices like small braces or wires to straighten the nails as they grow.

Medical Treatment Options From Our Podiatrist

If home care is not helping, our podiatrist usually helps with nail lifting, partial nail removal, or partial or full matricectomy.

What to Expect During Our Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Examination?

Symptom

Increasing redness and swelling

Pus or foul drainage

Fever or spreading redness

Diabetes or circulation problems

What We Check For

Schedule evaluation

Medical treatment recommended

Seek urgent care

Early professional care is strongly advised

How Long Does It Take To Heal From an Ingrown Toenail

One of the most common questions patients ask is “How long will it take to heal?” The answer depends on how severe the ingrown toenail is and what type of treatment is provided.

Mild Cases

If your ingrown toenail is caught early, meaning there is redness and tenderness, but no infection, the healing can happen quickly. Usually, with warm water soaks, proper nail trimming, and less pressure from tight shoes, you start noticing improvement within a few days. Sometimes, the symptoms typically resolve within one week. However, it works if there is no infection.

After Partial Nail Removal

You experience pain when a healthcare provider removes the ingrown portion of the nail. It is known as a minor in-office procedure. You can expect healing when you notice –

After Matricectomy

If the ingrown toenail is severe or returns, part of the nail matrix is treated to prevent that section from regrowing. It is known as matricectomy. The procedure can alter the nail growth, so drainage can last 1-2 weeks. There is a possibility that the toe becomes sensitive for several weeks. In fact, complete healing takes about 3-6 weeks.

What Our Patients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Ingrown Toenail Heal On Its Own?

Yes. Mild cases can improve with proper home care, such as soaking and wearing roomy shoes. However, if pain worsens, it is a sign of infection.

How Do I Know If My Ingrown Toenail is Infected?

Signs of infection can include increasing redness or warmth, pus or drainage, swelling, and unbearable pain.

Can An Ingrown Toenail Come Back?

Yes, recurrence is possible if nails are cut too short or rounded, you wear tight shoes, and there is a naturally curved nail shape. Permanent procedures can reduce the risk, but proper nail trimming and footwear options remain essential for prevention.