Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. It's one of the most common conditions Dr. Wokasien treats — and one of the quickest to resolve.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the toenail
- Redness and swelling around the nail
- Infection: pus, warmth, increased pain
- Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
Who Gets It
Ingrown toenails can happen to anyone, but are more common in people who cut nails too short or round the corners, wear tight-fitting shoes that press on the toes, or have naturally curved nails from genetics. Athletes in tight running shoes or cycling cleats are especially prone. Toe injuries — stubbing or dropping something on the foot — can also trigger them.
Austin's running and cycling community puts extra pressure on toes. Cramped cleats, wet trail running socks, and tight athletic footwear create the exact conditions ingrown nails need to develop. Dr. Wokasien handles these regularly — most patients are back to training quickly.
Treatment
In-office treatment is straightforward:
- Local anesthesia to numb the toe before any work begins
- Removal of the ingrown nail portion causing pain and irritation
- Treatment of any existing infection with appropriate medication
- Permanent nail edge removal for recurrent cases — done in-office, prevents regrowth of the problematic edge
Most patients feel immediate relief and walk out on their own. For recurring ingrown nails, a minor procedure can permanently prevent regrowth of the problematic nail edge. It's done in the office with local anesthesia.
When to Call
Bathroom surgery with nail clippers makes ingrown toenails worse. If it's red, swollen, or painful, call (512) 250-0444. Same-day and Saturday appointments are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix an ingrown toenail at home?
Soaking in warm water can provide temporary comfort for mild cases. But cutting deeper into the nail corner — the instinct most people have — makes it worse and risks infection. Once it's red, swollen, or producing pus, professional treatment is the right call.
Will the treatment hurt?
The injection to numb the toe is the most uncomfortable part, and it's brief. Once the anesthesia takes effect, you won't feel the procedure. Most patients are relieved at how quick and painless the actual nail work is.
How long before I can walk normally?
Most patients walk out of the office without difficulty. Wear open-toed shoes or loose sneakers to the appointment. You'll want to keep the area clean and dry for a few days, but there's no significant downtime.
My ingrown nail keeps coming back. Is there a permanent fix?
Yes. A procedure called a partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy removes the problematic nail edge and prevents it from regrowing. It's done in-office with local anesthesia. Success rates are high, and most patients are done dealing with recurring ingrown nails after one procedure.
Is it infected? How do I tell?
Signs of infection include pus or drainage, increasing warmth and redness, swelling beyond just the nail edge, and pain that's getting worse rather than better. Any of those warrant a call. Infected ingrown nails need prompt treatment — they don't resolve on their own.
My child has an ingrown toenail. What should I do?
Don't try to cut it out at home. Children's nails are softer and easier to work with in-office, and the procedure is just as quick. Dr. Wokasien treats kids regularly and explains what he's doing in terms they can follow. Saturday morning appointments work well for school-age kids.
How do I prevent them from coming back?
Cut nails straight across — not curved, not too short. The nail edge should reach the end of the toe. Choose shoes with enough room in the toe box. If your nails naturally curve into the skin, periodic professional trimming is more reliable than home care.