Ingrown Toenails
Patient Information Guide | Pathways Foot & Ankle
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. The big toe is most commonly affected. While many people try to manage ingrown nails at home, recurrent or severe cases often require professional treatment.
Common Causes
- Improper nail trimming (cutting too short or rounding the edges)
- Tight or poorly fitting shoes
- Trauma to the toe (stubbing, dropping something on it)
- Family history of ingrown toenails
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness along the side of the nail
- Redness and swelling around the nail edge
- Warmth or drainage (pus) if infected
- Difficulty wearing shoes or walking
- Overgrowth of skin around the nail (proud flesh/hypergranulation tissue)
Treatment Options
At Pathways Foot & Ankle, we offer a full range of treatments — from conservative care to in-office procedures. Surgery is not always necessary.
Conservative Care
- Warm water soaks with Epsom salt (2-3 times daily)
- Proper trimming — straight across, not curved
- Wearing open-toed or wide-width shoes
- Topical antibiotic ointment if signs of infection
In-Office Procedures
- Partial nail avulsion (removal of the ingrown border)
- Nail matrixectomy (permanent removal)
- NailLift™ — non-invasive nail brace technology
In-Office Procedures Explained
Partial Nail Avulsion (Border Removal)
After numbing the toe with local anesthesia, Dr. Clifford removes the ingrown portion of the nail (usually 2-3 millimeters along the side). This immediately relieves the pressure and pain. The nail typically grows back in 4-6 months, but some patients experience recurrence if the nail regrows in the same curved shape.
Recovery: Mild soreness for 1-2 days. Keep the toe clean and dry for 24 hours. Most patients resume normal activity immediately.
Nail Matrixectomy (Permanent Removal)
For patients with recurrent ingrown toenails, a matrixectomy is the most definitive solution. After removing the ingrown nail border, Dr. Clifford applies a chemical to the nail matrix — the root of the nail — to prevent regrowth of that specific edge. The rest of the nail remains completely normal in appearance.
Recovery: Soreness for 2-3 days. The treated area forms a small scab and heals over 2-4 weeks. Success rate exceeds 95% with very low recurrence.
NailLift™ (Non-Invasive Nail Brace)
For patients who want to avoid needles, surgery, or permanent changes to the nail, NailLift™ is an excellent option. A small, flexible composite brace is connected to the nail. The brace gently lifts and flattens the edges of the nail, training it to grow correctly without digging into the skin.
- No needles – No anesthesia required
- No downtime – Resume normal activities immediately
- Painless – Immediate relief once the brace is applied
- Typically worn for 2-10 weeks as the nail grows out
- Ideal for mild to moderate ingrown nails, especially in patients who are prone to recurrence
Comparing Your Options
| Partial Avulsion | Matrixectomy | NailLift™ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive? | Yes (small cut) | Yes (cut + chemical) | No (brace only) |
| Needles? | Yes (local anesthesia) | Yes (local anesthesia) | No |
| Downtime | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | None |
| Permanent? | No (nail regrows) | Yes (edge permanently removed) | No (corrects growth pattern) |
| Best for | Mild or infected | Recurrent, severe | Mild-moderate |
When to See a Specialist
- Home care hasn't improved the pain after a few days
- You see signs of infection — redness spreading, warmth, pus, fever
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system
- You get recurrent ingrown toenails on the same toe
- The pain is severe enough to interfere with walking or wearing shoes
Prevention Tips
- Trim nails straight across — never round the corners
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box
- Avoid cutting nails too short
- Keep feet clean and dry
- If you have diabetes, have a podiatrist trim your nails
What to Expect at Pathways Foot & Ankle
- A thorough examination to determine the best treatment for you
- Same-day treatment for most ingrown toenails — no need for a separate appointment
- Numbing injections (if needed) with a very thin needle to minimize discomfort
- Clear aftercare instructions and follow-up as needed
- Transparent pricing with no surprise bills
- Same-day or next-day appointments, no referral needed
Ready to get relief from your ingrown toenail?
Call Dr. Clifford directly at (971) 359-5299 or visit www.pathwaysfoot.com to schedule your appointment.
216 14th St, Oregon City, OR 97045 | Same-day visits available