Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Kalamazoo, MI

Stop the Pain and Prevent Recurrence

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly on the big toe. This condition can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and even infection if left untreated. Many patients describe the pain as sharp or throbbing, especially when wearing shoes or putting pressure on the toe.

At Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, we treat ingrown toenails quickly and effectively—offering in-office procedures that provide fast relief and help prevent the problem from coming back.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

You may be more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if:

• You trim your toenails too short or round the edges
• You wear tight or narrow footwear
• You have unusually curved or thick toenails
• You’ve had a toe injury or stubbed your toe
• You have a family history of nail problems
• You have a medical condition such as diabetes or poor circulation

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Patients with ingrown toenails often report:

• Pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
• Redness and swelling of the skin around the nail
• Pus or drainage if infection is present
• Warmth or increased sensitivity in the affected toe
• Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to a more serious infection and should be addressed promptly.

Diagnosis

During your visit to Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, one of our podiatrists will:

• Examine the affected toe and surrounding tissue
• Assess the stage of the ingrown toenail (mild, infected, or chronic)
• Determine if conservative care or minor surgery is needed
• Discuss any contributing factors or underlying medical conditions

Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

The treatment we recommend depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether this is a recurring issue. In most cases, ingrown toenails can be treated in-office with minimal discomfort.

Nonsurgical Treatments

For mild or early-stage cases, we may recommend:

• Warm salt water soaks to reduce inflammation
• Applying antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage
• Proper nail trimming techniques to prevent worsening
• Wearing open-toed or loose shoes to reduce pressure
• Lifting the nail edge and placing cotton beneath it (temporary relief)

In-Office Procedure for Ingrown Toenails

If the ingrown nail is more advanced or infected, a minor procedure may be necessary. Our team performs this treatment in-office using local anesthesia.

Procedure options include:

• Partial nail avulsion – Removing the ingrown portion of the nail
• Matrixectomy – Removing part of the nail root to prevent regrowth of the problematic edge
• Antibiotic therapy – Used if an infection is present

These procedures are quick and offer immediate relief. Most patients are able to walk out of the office and return to normal activities within a day or two.

Chronic or Recurring Ingrown Nails

If you’ve experienced multiple ingrown toenails on the same toe, we may recommend a permanent correction using a chemical or laser to prevent the affected part of the nail from growing back. This offers long-term relief and reduces the chance of recurrence.