An ingrown toenail may seem like a small issue, but anyone who’s had one knows how painful it can be. When the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, even walking or wearing shoes can become uncomfortable. At Alexandria Family Podiatry, serving patients in Alexandria and Sterling, VA, Dr. Richard G. Lee and Dr. Steven H. Lin provide expert care to relieve discomfort and prevent the problem from coming back.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails often develop from everyday habits and foot stress. Common causes include:

• Improper nail trimming, especially cutting nails too short or rounding the corners.
  
  
• Tight or narrow shoes that press the nail into the skin.
  
  
• Injury to the toe, such as stubbing or dropping something on it.
  
  
• Genetics, since some people naturally have more curved nails.
  
  

When left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, leading to redness, swelling, and drainage. That’s why it’s best to have a podiatrist evaluate the condition early — especially if you notice increasing pain or signs of infection.

Professional Treatment Options

At Alexandria Family Podiatry, our podiatrists offer several effective treatment options depending on the severity of your symptoms:

• Nail lifting or trimming: For mild cases, the edge of the nail may be gently lifted or trimmed to relieve pressure.
  
  
• Partial nail removal: If the nail continues to grow inward, your podiatrist can remove a small portion of it under local anesthesia to stop irritation and promote healing.
  
  
• Permanent nail correction: For recurring ingrown toenails, a portion of the nail root may be treated to prevent the edge from growing back abnormally.
  
  
• Antibiotic treatment: If infection is present, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
  
  

Our goal is always to relieve pain quickly and restore comfort, while helping you avoid future recurrences through proper nail and foot care guidance.

When to See a Podiatrist

If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or recurring nail pain, you should never try to treat an ingrown toenail at home. Early professional care helps prevent complications and ensures your feet stay healthy.

For expert ingrown toenail treatment in Alexandria or Sterling, VA, call (703) 823-2357 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard G. Lee or Dr. Steven H. Lin at Alexandria Family Podiatry. Relief is closer than you think — and your feet will thank you.