Several factors can lead to ingrown toenails, including:

• Improper nail trimming (cutting nails too short or rounded)
• Tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes
• Toe injuries
• Genetics – curved or thick toenails
• Repetitive stress from sports or activities
• Fungal nail infections that change nail shape

• Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the toenail
• Redness and swelling of the surrounding skin
• Drainage or pus if infected
• Warmth, throbbing, or overlying skin growth (granulation tissue)

• People with diabetes
• Individuals with poor circulation
• Athletes or those wearing compressive footwear
• Elderly patients or those with difficulty trimming nails

If you have diabetes or vascular disease, do not attempt to treat ingrown nails at home. Early podiatric care can help prevent serious complications like infection or ulceration.

Conservative Care:

• Soaking the foot in warm salt water
• Gently lifting the nail edge (only if mild and not infected)
• Wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes
• Topical or oral antibiotics for infection

In-Office Procedures:

For persistent or infected ingrown toenails, our podiatrists offer:

• Partial nail avulsion – removing the ingrown portion of the nail under local anesthesia
• Matrixectomy – applying a chemical (phenol) or laser to prevent the regrowth of the ingrown portion
• Complete nail removal (in rare or recurring cases)

These procedures are quick, highly effective, and performed comfortably in our office with minimal downtime.

If you notice persistent toe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, don’t wait. Ingrown toenails can worsen quickly — especially for patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation issues.

Schedule a consultation with SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors at our Santa Monica or Cedars-Sinai location. We offer fast, permanent relief using safe, evidence-based techniques.