Toenail Procedures in New York, NY

Toenails are the cause of problems for many people. Certain toenail concerns, such as ingrown toenails and torn toenails, can damage and irritate the surrounding skin, while others may be the cause of foot, nerve, or toe conditions/growths. Treatment for your toenail issue could vary depending on the exact cause of the concern, but it is important to seek help from a podiatrist when these conditions start to affect your everyday life. At Millennium Podiatry in New York, NY, Dr. Suzanne Levine and her team can evaluate your toenail issues and create an appropriate treatment plan specifically for your needs. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation. 

There are various causes of an ingrown toenail, including:

• Improperly trimmed nails
• Excessive sweating
• Poorly fitting footwear
• Trauma
• Subungual neoplasms
• Obesity
• Excessive external pressure

These factors can cause the nail to grow into the soft flesh surrounding the nail, leading to inflammation, infection, and/or discomfort. 

If an ingrown toenail is not treated, it can lead to a serious bone infection. To prevent this and alleviate the pain associated with an ingrown toenail, the portion of the nail causing discomfort needs to be removed. The affected portion of the nail will be removed, leaving the healthy area intact. A process called electrocautery ablation can then be used to hinder the nail from regrowing and causing future issues and to create a new nail fold. When performed correctly, the procedure produces the greatest success in treating ingrown nails.

Can an ingrown toenail fix itself? 
In some cases, early or mild ingrown toenails can be corrected with an at-home care regimen, which includes soaking the toe in warm water with Epsom salt several times per day, wearing comfortable shoes, and keeping the toe clean and dry. If these measures do not improve the toe, or if the patient develops worsening symptoms or signs of an infection, professional treatment should be undertaken.

Should I trim my ingrown toenail? 
Patients should never cut, trim, or tear an ingrown toenail. Doing so often exacerbates the problem and may lead to further complications.

Will an ingrown toenail come back after treatment? 
Dr. Levine utilizes the most advanced techniques and technologies available today to ensure the best possible chance for permanently correcting an ingrown toenail. By ablating the nail matrix and creating a new lateral nail fold using cautery, the risk of an ingrown toenail regrowth is dramatically minimized.

Toenail concerns, including ingrown toenails, can be painful and lead to a more significant issue if left untreated. Thankfully, Dr. Levine at Millennium Podiatry can provide an appropriate treatment plan to get you back on your feet. Learn more by contacting our Park Avenue facility in New York, NY to schedule a consultation.