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Condition

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail irritates the skin along the nail border and can become infected. It is treatable in the office.

An ingrown toenail curves or grows into the skin along a nail border. Contributing factors may include inherited nail shape, trauma, footwear pressure, cutting the nail too short, and some nail disorders.

If you have a suspected infection, diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, do not attempt home nail surgery — have the toe evaluated instead.

This page is general education. Symptoms described on a website cannot establish a diagnosis, and an in-person examination is what identifies the cause of your symptoms and what to do about it.

Common signs and symptoms

  • Pain along the edge of the nail
  • Redness and swelling
  • Warmth around the nail border
  • Drainage or other signs of infection

Possible causes and contributing factors

  • Inherited nail shape
  • Trauma to the toe or nail
  • Pressure from footwear
  • Cutting the nail too short
  • Other nail disorders

How Metro Foot & Ankle evaluates ingrown toenails

  1. We review your symptoms, activity or injury history, footwear, and medical history.
  2. We examine the nail border, surrounding skin, and signs of infection along with the surrounding joints and the way you walk.
  3. We use X-rays or other testing when the findings make it clinically appropriate.
  4. We explain what we found and what the reasonable options are for your situation.

You will see Dr. Kayla Wright, DPM, ABFAS Board Certified, at our Tempe office. New to the practice? Review new-patient information before your visit.

General treatment progression

  1. Evaluation of the nail border and whether infection is present
  2. Conservative care when appropriate
  3. Treatment of infection when present
  4. A minor in-office nail procedure when indicated
  5. Treatment of part of the nail root when the problem keeps recurring

When prompt evaluation may be appropriate

Some foot and ankle symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than watched. Call our office if you notice:

  • An injury with difficulty walking or bearing weight
  • A change in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle after a fall or twist
  • Redness, warmth, drainage, or signs of infection
  • An open sore or wound on the foot, especially with diabetes or circulation concerns
  • New numbness, burning, or other changes in sensation
  • Pain that keeps getting worse or does not improve with reasonable initial care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website and its appointment tools are not monitored for emergency medical needs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fix an ingrown toenail at home?

Home nail surgery is not advised, and it is specifically discouraged with suspected infection, diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation.

Why does mine keep coming back?

Recurrence may require treatment of part of the nail root rather than repeated trimming of the same border.

Your next step

To be seen for ingrown toenails, request an appointment or call 480-831-0700. Our office is at 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, in Tempe — see directions and parking.

Sources(show)
  • American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (Foot Health Facts)Ingrown ToenailDefinition, symptoms, causes, high-risk cautions, and professional treatment.

Request an appointment

Our Tempe office schedules new and established patients Monday through Friday. Book online, or call and we will help you find a time.

Metro Foot & AnkleTempe office

3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108
Tempe, AZ 85282

480-831-0700

Fax 480-831-0748

Suite 108 is on the ground floor of the office complex, marked with Metro Foot & Ankle signage and our phone number on the window. Parking is available on site.

Office hours

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Please do not send medical details, records, or images through this website. Call the office to discuss anything clinical.

Find Us

Metro Foot & Ankle, 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, Tempe, AZ 85282. A text address and a Get Directions link are provided next to this map.

Metro Foot & Ankle

3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108
Tempe, AZ 85282

480-831-0700

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Get Directions

Suite 108 is on the ground floor of the office complex, marked with Metro Foot & Ankle signage and our phone number on the window. Parking is available on site.