Ingrown Toenail Specialist in Illinois
Struggling with pain from an ingrown toenail? Visit Suburban Orthopaedics in Illinois. Our expert foot and ankle specialists are here to provide effective treatment and lasting relief to restore your comfort and mobility.
Expert Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Bartlett, Elgin, Schaumburg, and Chicago, IL
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. Although common, ingrown toenails can become a recurring or serious issue if left untreated, especially in the big toe. At Suburban Orthopaedics, our expert foot and ankle specialists in Chicago offer non-surgical and surgical treatment options to relieve discomfort, prevent infection, and restore healthy nail growth.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. This causes irritation and inflammation, often leading to pain when walking, pressure from shoes, or even while at rest. The area may become infected in more advanced cases, producing drainage or pus. While this issue can happen on any toe, it most commonly affects the big toe.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can develop due to a variety of reasons. Poor nail trimming techniques, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks can pressure the toes and contribute to nail misdirection. Other causes include repeated trauma to the toe, fungal infections, and inherited nail shape. Individuals with flat feet or other foot structure issues may also be more prone to this condition.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
Typical signs of an ingrown toenail include pain along one or both sides of the nail, toe swelling, redness, and increased tenderness when pressure is applied. You may notice drainage, infection, or thickened skin along the nail edge as the condition progresses. If left untreated, the nail may continue to embed deeper into the tissue, increasing the risk of complications, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation.
How We Diagnose Ingrown Toenails at Suburban Orthopaedics
Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam by one of our orthopedic foot and ankle specialists. We will assess the toe for signs of infection, inflammation, and structural changes. In some cases, X-rays may be taken to determine whether the ingrown nail has affected the underlying bone, particularly if there is chronic or recurrent infection. We tailor treatment plans based on the severity of the condition and your overall foot health.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Mild Ingrown Toenails
Early-stage ingrown toenails are often treated conservatively. Soaking the foot in warm water, using antiseptic creams, and gently lifting the nail edge may provide relief. Our team may also recommend wider shoes or custom orthotics from our foot and ankle specialists to reduce pressure on the affected toe. If a mild infection occurs, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Surgical Options for Chronic or Severe Ingrown Toenails
Surgical intervention may be necessary when ingrown toenails are persistent, infected, or extremely painful. At Suburban Orthopaedics, we offer in-office procedures to remove a portion or the entire toenail under local anesthesia. In recurrent cases, a chemical matrixectomy may be performed to prevent the nail from growing back in the problem area. These procedures are typically quick; most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
Our board-certified physicians are skilled in minimally invasive foot treatments, ensuring precise care with reduced recovery time.
Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails
Preventive care is an integral part of long-term management. We educate patients on proper nail trimming techniques, appropriate footwear, and skin care to minimize the chance of recurrence. For those with structural foot issues or a history of recurring ingrown nails, ongoing care may be provided through our comprehensive podiatric and orthopedic services.
Schedule an Appointment for Ingrown Toenail Relief
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail that won’t improve or has signs of infection, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact Suburban Orthopaedics to schedule an evaluation.
For more information, give us a call or schedule an appointment with one of our ingrown toenail relief specialists. We have several locations, where we serve patients in Bartlett, IL, Elgin, IL, Schaumburg, IL, and Chicago, IL.
Request an Appointment