Ingrown Toenails: A toenail becomes ingrown when it is curved and grows into the skin. This usually occurs at the sides of the nail. The result can be pain, redness and swelling. If the ingrown nail damages the skin, bacteria may enter the damaged area and this may result in an infection. When treating an ingrown toenail your foot and ankle physician will examine the toe and recommend the best treatment option. In some instances, oral antibiotics may be needed and a minor surgical procedure may be performed in the office to ease the pain and remove the ingrown portion of the nail’s side edge. In certain instances, the extent of the ingrown toenail damage may require removal of the nail root.
