Learn about ingrown toenails, their symptoms, and their causes. Visit urgent care near you for expert care from our team of providers – walk-ins welcome, open 7 days a week.

South Charlotte is home to several active running clubs, like the Charlotte Running Club and the Fleet Feet Running Club, which offer great opportunities for runners of all levels. However, regular running, especially on hard surfaces, can put stress on your feet and toenails, sometimes leading to conditions like ingrown toenails, which can become painful or infected if not treated properly. If you’re part of groups like the Midnight Mulligan Brewing Run Club, make sure to monitor your foot health to prevent such issues from interfering with your runs!

An ingrown toenail can sneak up on you. What starts as mild discomfort can quickly become a more painful and frustrating condition if left untreated. But how can you tell if you actually have an ingrown toenail? Let’s dive into the symptoms so you can spot one early and prevent further complications.

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Common symptoms of an ingrown toenail

• Pain or tenderness: This is often the first sign that something’s wrong. The area around your toenail, especially along the edges, might feel sensitive to touch. You may notice it when putting on shoes or walking, and the pain can worsen if pressure is applied to the nail.
• Redness and swelling: As the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, the area can become red and swollen. This is a typical response to irritation and inflammation, as the body tries to protect the area.
• Overgrowth of skin around the nail: In some cases, the skin around the toenail may start to grow over the nail, making the ingrown nail less noticeable at first. This overgrowth can add to the discomfort and make it harder for the nail to grow normally.
• Infection: If the ingrown nail breaks the skin, it can lead to an infection. Symptoms of infection include increased redness, pus, warmth, and even a foul odor. This can happen when bacteria enter the small cuts caused by the ingrown toenail.

Why does my ingrown toenail hurt so much?

It comes down to pressure and inflammation. When the toenail starts pushing into the skin, it irritates the soft tissue, causing pain and swelling. As the nail digs deeper, the discomfort increases, and if it punctures the skin, it can lead to an infection, which brings even more pain.

What should I do if I think I have an ingrown toenail?

The earlier you catch an ingrown toenail, the easier it is to treat. For mild cases, there are a few things you can do at home to relieve the pain and prevent further issues:

• Soak your foot: Try soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes, two or three times a day. This can help reduce swelling, soften the nail, and make it easier for the nail to grow out properly.
• Lift the nail: After soaking, gently lift the edge of the toenail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath it. This can help the nail grow above the skin instead of inside it.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Tight shoes or high heels can put additional pressure on the toe, making the problem worse. Choose shoes with plenty of room for your toes or wear open-toed shoes to avoid further irritation.

However, if home treatments aren’t helping, or if you notice signs of infection-like pus, persistent redness, or increased pain, it’s time to see a doctor.

When should you visit AFC South Charlotte?

It’s important to seek medical attention if:

• The pain is severe and affects your daily activities.
• You notice any signs of infection, such as pus or redness that continue spreading.
• You have an underlying condition, like diabetes or poor circulation, which can make complications from an ingrown toenail more dangerous.

At our clinic, a provider can properly assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and may perform a minor non-surgical procedure to relieve your pain. This wedge resection procedure will involve removing a sliver of the nail to relieve pressure and swelling. In cases where the toenail becomes infected, you will also be prescribed antibiotics to clear up the infection and prevent further complications.

How do I prevent getting another ingrown toenail?

Once you’ve dealt with an ingrown toenail, you’ll want to avoid getting another one. Here are a few tips to help prevent future ingrown toenails:

• Trim your nails properly: Cut your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Rounded edges are more likely to grow into the skin.
• Wear shoes that fit: Make sure your shoes have enough room for your toes to move freely without being squeezed or compressed.
• Protect your toes: If you’re involved in activities where your feet are at risk of injury, like running or playing sports, make sure to wear proper footwear to prevent trauma to your toenails.

By paying attention to the early signs of an ingrown toenail and taking preventive measures, you can save yourself a lot of pain and discomfort in the future. Visit our urgent care center any day of the week for treatment from our certified team of providers, to ensure that your ingrown toenail heals the way it should.