Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
May 13, 2020
Board-certified food doctor, Dr. Verville, sees many patients every year who are in daily pain because of an ingrown toenail. While this condition may be small, it can certainly pack a big punch of pain, and make the simple act of walking nearly unbearable for some.
Dr. Verville works hard to develop strong patient-doctor relationships with each of her patients in Frisco and wants to help you get back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible. She is constantly furthering her training and education by exchanging ideas with other foot doctors and is a member of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association, and Texas Podiatric Medical Association.
If you are suffering from the pain caused by an ingrown toenail, let foot doctor, Dr. Verville, help. With more than a decade of experience in the Frisco area, you can trust her to help you find relief quickly.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs most commonly in the big toe when the corner or side of the toenail actually grows into the flesh of the foot. Sometimes, ingrown toenails are caused by simple genetics. If your mother or father often suffered from ingrown toenails, it’s likely you will, too. Others experience ingrown toenails because they have allowed their toenail to get too long, or they cut it too short or at an angle, preventing it from growing out properly.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
The most common ways that you can tell if you have an ingrown toenail are:
- Skin that grows beyond the edges of the toenail
- Skin that is swollen or sensitive to the touch
- Pus around the ingrown nail
If you suspect that you just may have an ingrown toenail, it’s best to seek a diagnosis from a Frisco foot doctor. If you do leave it untreated, or if treated improperly, the symptoms listed above can worsen, and an infection could occur.
Can I Treat my Ingrown Toenail, or Should I See a Foot Doctor?
While there are over-the-counter treatments you can use to ease the pain from an ingrown toenail, the truth is, professional intervention from a licensed foot doctor is always best. Even if you try to ignore the pain, or you don’t think it’s a “big deal,” it’s really important to remember that your feet provide your entire body with a solid foundation. Even minor discomfort in your feet can impact your natural gait, which can then affect your daily life and overall well-being. Don’t ignore the symptoms—call Dr. Verville for help.
How Will a Foot Doctor Treat My Ingrown Toenail?
Once you arrive at RNV Podiatry in Frisco, Dr. Verville will:
- Conduct an examination
- Ask you some questions about your symptoms
- Explain your treatment options
- Answer your questions
- Possibly collect a small sample to test for infection
If you come in at the first sign of discomfort, Dr. Verville will be able to employ treatment methods that are lower impact, including:
- Bandaging
- Soaking
- Medication
If you choose to wait to seek treatment from a foot doctor, you could require surgical removal of the ingrown toenail.
Call Foot Doctor, Dr. Verville of RNV Podiatry, About Your Ingrown Toenail
Now that you know more about what can and should be done to treat an ingrown toenail, don’t wait to call Dr. Verville in Frisco. As a professional foot doctor, she is fully equipped to treat your discomfort and assist you in getting back to your normal, pain-free life as quickly as possible. Simply call (214) 385-8822 today to book your initial consultation.
