Patient Newsletter
Ingrown Toenails: Painful, common, and completely fixable.
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons people come see us. They start as mild discomfort at the edge of a nail and can progress to swelling, infection, and serious pain if left alone.
ยง How it works
How ingrown nails develop, and how we treat them.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. The result is pain, redness, and swelling that worsens with pressure or movement. Once the skin breaks, bacteria can enter and cause infection. What starts as mild discomfort can become serious quickly.
01 In-Office Nail Trimming
For mild cases, our doctors trim and relieve the nail correctly in office, and show you how to maintain it at home to prevent recurrence.
02 Partial Nail Avulsion
A quick in-office procedure under local anesthesia that removes only the offending nail border, providing immediate relief.
03 Chemical Matrixectomy
Phenol is applied to the nail matrix after avulsion to permanently prevent the problematic nail border from regrowing. The preferred option for recurrent ingrowths.
04 Wound & Infection Care
When infection is present, nail treatment is combined with wound care and antibiotic therapy. This clears the bacteria and allows surrounding tissue to heal fully.
At Restore, ingrown toenail care ranges from simple trimming guidance to permanent in-office procedures that prevent recurrence entirely. Dr. Reddy and Dr. Pokala match the treatment to how severe and frequent your ingrown is, so you get a lasting solution.
ยง The condition
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails develop when the nail edge curves downward and penetrates the surrounding skin fold. Common causes include cutting nails too short or with rounded edges, wearing shoes that crowd the toes, toenail trauma, and inherited nail shape. The big toe is most commonly affected. Symptoms progress from tenderness along the nail edge to swelling, redness, and eventually infection if left untreated. Recurring ingrown nails in the same location almost always benefit from a permanent solution rather than repeated trimming.
ยง Finding the source
What we look for during your evaluation
Dr. Reddy and Dr. Pokala assess several factors before recommending treatment. The right approach depends on what they find.
01 Nail Curvature & Depth
How far the nail edge has grown into the skin helps guide whether conservative care or an in-office procedure may be appropriate.
02 Signs of Infection
Redness, warmth, swelling, and drainage are assessed to determine whether antibiotics may be needed alongside nail treatment.
03 Recurrence Pattern
Nails that have become ingrown multiple times may be evaluated for a more permanent solution rather than repeated short-term fixes.
ยง Signs you should be seen
Don't wait on these.
Ingrown toenails are easy to dismiss early on. These are the signs it's time to come in.
Pain or tenderness along the nail edge
Class IV Laser Therapy
Skin that appears to be growing over the nail
Drainage or pus near the nail border
A nail that keeps becoming ingrown after home treatment
Ankle Arthroscopy
ยง Your care team
Meet Our Physicians
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ยง Beyond nail care
Everything else we do for feet.
Conservative therapies first, advanced technology second. A full range of podiatric care for adults and children.
General Podiatry
Class IV Laser Therapy
Sports Medicine
Diabetic Foot Care
Wound Care
Corn & Callus Removal
Ankle & Foot Trauma
Ankle Arthroscopy
Wart Treatment
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Pediatric Podiatry
Neuroma Care
Custom Orthotics
Deformity Correction
Book your visit
End the cycle of painful ingrown nails.
Whether this is your first ingrown nail or your fifth, we have a solution that fits. Call our Plano office or book online. Same-day appointments available.