Why Ingrown Toenails Should Be Treated

Without proper care, an ingrown toenail can become infected and significantly impact daily activities.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail may:

• Cause increasing pain and swelling
• Develop a bacterial infection
• Produce drainage or pus
• Make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable
• Lead to recurring episodes

Professional treatment can provide relief while helping prevent future problems.

How We Treat Ingrown Toenails

At Advanced Foot & Ankle, Dr. Edward Sharrer focuses on relieving pain quickly, safely removing the ingrown portion of the nail, and helping prevent it from coming back. Treatment is tailored based on how severe the ingrown nail is and whether it has become infected or recurrent.

MadaJet® Needle-Free Anesthesia:
Before treatment, we may use the MadaJet® system to deliver lidocaine without a needle. This helps fully numb the toe in a comfortable, fast, and minimally stressful way before removing the ingrown nail portion.

Partial Nail Removal (Avulsion):
The most common treatment for painful or infected ingrown toenails. The edge of the nail that is growing into the skin is carefully removed to immediately relieve pressure, reduce pain, and allow the area to heal properly.

Permanent Nail Procedure (When Needed):
For recurring ingrown toenails, a procedure may be performed to address the nail matrix on the affected side. This helps prevent the same edge of the nail from growing back into the skin.

Onyfix® Nail Correction System:
Onyfix® is a non-surgical option used to gradually guide the nail into a flatter, healthier growth pattern over time. It is especially helpful for patients with curved nails or recurring ingrown toenails who want to reduce future episodes without a surgical procedure.

Infection Care:
If infection is present, treatment may include drainage, cleansing of the area, and targeted care to reduce bacteria and support healing after removal of the ingrown nail.

Prevention Guidance:
Once the ingrown nail is treated, we provide clear guidance on proper nail trimming, footwear choices, and nail health habits to reduce the risk of recurrence and keep the nail growing correctly moving forward.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should schedule an evaluation if:

• The ingrown toenail is painful
• Redness or swelling continues to worsen
• You notice drainage or signs of infection
• The problem keeps coming back
• Home treatment is not helping
• You have diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation concerns

Early treatment is often simpler and can help prevent complications.

Why Choose Advanced Foot & Ankle?

Patients throughout North Little Rock and Central Arkansas trust Dr. Edward Sharrer for ingrown toenail treatment because we provide:

• Experienced podiatric care
• Advanced treatment options, including Onyfix®
• Needle-free anesthetic delivery with the MadaJet® system
• Treatment for both simple and complex ingrown toenails
• Personalized care plans focused on long-term relief
• Convenient local care in North Little Rock, AR

Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing ingrown toenail pain, swelling, or infection, contact Advanced Foot & Ankle in North Little Rock today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Edward Sharrer. Prompt treatment can relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and help you get back to your normal activities comfortably.