Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

An ingrown toenail is one of the most common—and often most painful—foot problems seen in podiatry offices. When the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, it can lead to redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes serious infection.

At Laguna Woods Podiatry Group in Laguna Hills, Dr. Neda Arjomandi, a board-certified podiatrist, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for ingrown toenails. Whether you are dealing with your first painful toenail or you suffer from chronic recurrences, professional podiatry care can provide quick relief and prevent future problems.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails, including:

• Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to curve into the skin.

• Tight or Ill-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that crowd the toes can press the nail edge into the skin.

• Toe Trauma: Stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on it, or repetitive pressure from sports can trigger nail changes.

• Genetics: Some people naturally have nails that are more curved or thickened, making them prone to becoming ingrown.

• Sweating & Moisture: Excess moisture softens the skin around the nail, making it easier for the nail edge to penetrate.

• Underlying Medical Conditions: Diabetes, circulation issues, and fungal toenails may increase the risk.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Patients often describe:

• Pain and tenderness along the side of the toenail

• Redness and swelling around the nail fold

• Warmth and possible pus drainage if infection sets in

• Difficulty wearing shoes due to pressure

• Severe cases may involve throbbing pain and spreading infection

If you notice increased swelling, pus, or spreading redness, it’s important to seek podiatry care quickly to avoid complications.

Stages of Ingrown Toenails

1. Mild (Stage 1): Pain and redness without infection.

2. Moderate (Stage 2): Increased swelling, drainage, and tenderness.

3. Severe (Stage 3): Ongoing pain, persistent infection, and overgrown skin tissue (granulation tissue).

Early intervention in the mild stage makes treatment easier and prevents more invasive procedures.

Home Care for Mild Cases

If your symptoms are mild and there are no signs of infection, you may try:

• Warm Epsom Salt Soaks: Soak your foot for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling.

• Gentle Lifting: Placing a small piece of cotton under the nail edge to help it grow outward (temporary relief only).

• Wearing Open-Toe or Wide Shoes: Reduces pressure on the affected toe.

⚠️ Important: Patients with diabetes, circulation problems, or recurring ingrown toenails should not attempt home treatment without consulting a podiatrist.

Professional Treatment Options

Dr. Neda Arjomandi offers a variety of safe and effective treatments, depending on severity:

• Partial Nail Removal (Temporary Relief): Carefully trims away the portion of the nail digging into the skin.

• Partial Nail Avulsion with Matrixectomy (Permanent Solution): The edge of the nail is removed, and the root (matrix) is treated to prevent that side of the nail from growing back.

• Infection Management: Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is significant infection.

• Fungal Toenail Assessment: If nail fungus is contributing to thickness and deformity, treatment may be recommended to reduce future ingrown issues.

These in-office procedures are done under local anesthesia for comfort and typically provide immediate pain relief.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

You can greatly reduce your risk with these steps:

• Trim nails straight across instead of rounding the edges.

• Keep nails at a moderate length—not too short.

• Wear well-fitting shoes with adequate toe room.

• Keep feet dry and clean to prevent fungal or bacterial issues.

• Protect toes during sports or high-impact activities.

For patients with diabetes, regular podiatry visits are especially important to prevent serious complications.

Why See Dr. Neda Arjomandi?

As a board-certified podiatrist in Laguna Hills, Dr. Neda Arjomandi specializes in both routine and advanced treatments for ingrown toenails. Many patients who have struggled for years with recurring pain find lasting relief through in-office procedures performed at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group.

Her patient-centered approach focuses on:

• Fast pain relief

• Preventing recurrence

• Educating patients on long-term foot health

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Don’t let an ingrown toenail keep you from walking comfortably or enjoying your daily activities.

📍 Schedule an appointment with Dr. Neda Arjomandi at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group today by calling 949-581-2520.

We proudly serve patients from Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Foothill Ranch, Ladera Ranch, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Newport Beach, Tustin, Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana.