Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Bellevue, WA

We offer fast, effective relief from pain and infection.

At CarePlus Foot and Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, Washington, Dr. Hubert Lee provides safe, effective ingrown toenail treatment to relieve pain and prevent complications.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the corner or side of the nail curves downward and grows into the surrounding skin. This causes pain and swelling, often making activities like walking difficult. If the nail breaks through the skin, bacteria can enter and lead to an infection.

Ingrown toenails can affect anyone, but they pose a higher risk for individuals with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation. Prompt and proper treatment can alleviate pain and prevent complications.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Bellevue, WA | Dr. Hubert Lee

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain with pressure along the nail edge
  • Clear drainage
  • Redness and swelling around the nail

Signs of a severe condition or infection include:

  • Warmth or throbbing pain
  • Cloudy, yellow drainage (pus)
  • Redness that spreads away from the nail toward the base of the toe
  • Small, red bump growing over the edge of the nail that bleeds easily

What causes ingrown toenails?

Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails, including:

  • Improper nail trimming
  • Tight or narrow shoes
  • Toe injuries (stubbing, dropping something on the toe, sports trauma)
  • Genetics

These issues can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding skin, triggering inflammation and infection.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Non-Surgical Treatments for Ingrown Nails

Soaks

For mild cases, soaking the foot with warm water and Epsom salts can help soften the nail and surround skin. The soaks can also help draw out drainage from the area.

Antibiotics

Topical or prescribed oral antibiotics can reduce the infection, swelling, and pain.

Orthotics

Orthotics can be used to reduce pressure to the nail.

Onyfix

Onyfix is a painless treatment for ingrown nails that uses a composite band to gently correct the shape of the nail.

Advanced Treatments for Ingrown Nails

Partial Nail Avulsion

For infected ingrown nails or conditions that do not improve with non-surgical treatments, a partial nail avulsion may be performed. Treatment is performed in-office and typically requires minimal downtime. After numbing the toe, Dr. Hubert Lee gently separates and removes the ingrown section of nail. The procedure is quick and safe. Most patients return to normal shoes within a few days. Same or next day appointments available.

Matrixectomy

For chronic or recurrent ingrown nails, a matrixectomy may be performed to provide permanent ingrown nail relief. After carefully removing the ingrown section of nail, Dr. Hubert Lee performs a chemical matrixectomy using phenol or sodium hydroxide to target the root of the nail. This prevents regrowth of the problematic edge of the nail while preserving the healthy portion.

Post-procedure recovery can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the ingrown nail and type of procedure performed.

Expert ingrown toenail care. Serving patients from Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Kirkland. Schedule your visit today.

Let’s help you walk comfortably again. Contact CarePlus Foot and Ankle Specialists today to schedule your ingrown nail treatment.

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