Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can cause significant discomfort if left untreated.
While many mild cases can be managed at home with warm soaks, proper nail trimming, and wearing roomier shoes, some cases progress to the point where surgery becomes the most effective solution. Recognizing the signs early can help you avoid ongoing pain and prevent complications. Here are five key signs that you may need ingrown toenail surgery:
Severe or Persistent Pain
Pain is often the first and most obvious sign of an ingrown toenail. In the early stages, you might feel discomfort when wearing shoes or putting pressure on the affected toe. However, if the pain becomes severe, throbbing, or persists for more than a few days despite home remedies, it may signal a deeper problem.
Severe pain can indicate that the nail has grown deeply into the surrounding skin, causing tissue damage or infection. When conservative treatments like soaking, elevating the foot, or using antibiotic ointments fail to relieve the discomfort, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and provide long-lasting relief.
Swelling and Redness That Doesn’t Improve
Mild swelling and redness around an ingrown toenail are common early symptoms, often caused by the body’s inflammatory response. While soaking the toe in warm water with Epsom salt can sometimes reduce this inflammation, persistent or worsening swelling may be a red flag.
If you notice that the skin around your toenail remains puffy, red, and tender even after a week of home care, or if the redness starts spreading beyond the toe, it’s time to see a healthcare professional. Surgery may be needed to remove the embedded portion of the nail and allow the tissue to heal.
Signs of Infection
An ingrown toenail can easily become infected when bacteria enter the broken skin around the nail edge. Signs of infection include:
- Pus or drainage from the nail fold
- Increased warmth around the toe
- Red streaks extending from the toe
- Fever or chills in severe cases
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay seeking medical help. An infected ingrown toenail can worsen quickly and may require both antibiotics and surgical removal of part or all of the nail to resolve the issue and prevent the spread of infection.
Recurring Ingrown Toenails
Some people experience ingrown toenails repeatedly, even after trimming the nails properly and wearing appropriate footwear. This can be due to factors like the natural shape of your nail (such as overly curved nails), genetics, or underlying foot structure.
If you’ve had multiple episodes of ingrown toenails on the same toe and conservative treatments have failed, your doctor may recommend a minor surgical procedure called a partial nail avulsion. This procedure removes the offending nail edge and sometimes applies a chemical (phenol) to prevent regrowth, reducing the risk of recurrence.
Difficulty Walking or Wearing Shoes
When an ingrown toenail progresses to the point where walking, standing, or wearing shoes becomes difficult or painful, it’s a sign that you may need more than home care. Ignoring the problem can result in more tissue damage, infection, and changes to your gait, which may affect other parts of your foot, leg, or back.
Surgical treatment can provide permanent relief and allow you to return to your normal activities without pain or mobility issues.
Final Thoughts
While ingrown toenails can sometimes be managed at home, it’s important to recognize when professional treatment is needed. Severe pain, persistent swelling, signs of infection, recurring episodes, and difficulty walking are all signs that you may benefit from ingrown toenail surgery.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist or foot specialist. Early intervention can prevent complications and help you get back on your feet comfortably and safely.
