Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Marietta, GA
Ingrown Toenails
At Choice Podiatry Center in Marietta, GA, Dr. Vivian Iwu provides fast, effective relief for painful ingrown toenails. From conservative nail-lifting techniques to a permanent in-office matrixectomy, our treatments are designed to relieve pressure, resolve infection, and help prevent the problem from coming back.
Dr. Iwu and her friendly, attentive team create a clean, welcoming environment for every visit. Most ingrown toenail procedures are quick, performed under local anesthetic in-house, and allow you to walk out and resume normal activity the same day.
You do not need to keep limping through tight shoes or dread the throbbing pain of an infected toe. Schedule your appointment with Choice Podiatry Center for lasting relief.
AppointmentsYour Ingrown Toenail Podiatrist Near Atlanta
Ingrown Toenail Removal & Permanent Matrixectomy Options
An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. It is most common on the big toe and is often caused by cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, wearing narrow or tight footwear, an injury to the toe, or a naturally curved nail shape.
Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected, leading to drainage, worsening pain, and in patients with diabetes or poor circulation, a much more serious wound. Dr. Vivian Iwu offers a full range of treatment options matched to the severity of the problem.
Conservative Care
For mild cases, gently lifting the ingrown edge of the nail and placing a small splint or cotton wisp underneath can allow it to grow out above the skin instead of into it.
Partial Nail Avulsion
For more painful or recurring ingrown toenails, Dr. Iwu numbs the toe and removes only the portion of the nail digging into the skin, providing immediate relief from pressure and pain.
Matrixectomy (Permanent Correction)
For nails that keep growing back ingrown, a chemical matrixectomy applies a solution to the nail root (matrix) after a partial nail avulsion so that the treated section of nail does not regrow, offering a long-term solution for chronic sufferers.
- Performed in-office under local anesthetic
- Most patients walk out the same day and resume normal activity quickly
- Reduces the chance of the same corner becoming ingrown again
- An option for patients who have dealt with recurring ingrown nails for years
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a nail that appears infected, do not attempt to treat it at home — contact our office promptly for an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails are usually caused by cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, wearing shoes that crowd the toes, an injury to the toe, or a nail that naturally curves into the surrounding skin.
What are the warning signs I should not ignore?
Watch for increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus or drainage, or a foul odor from the toe. These can indicate an infection that needs prompt professional treatment.
Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Mild cases may improve with warm water soaks, proper trimming, and roomy footwear. However, you should see a podiatrist if there is significant pain, swelling, pus, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems.
What is a matrixectomy and is it permanent?
A matrixectomy treats the nail matrix (root) after removing the ingrown portion of the nail so that section does not grow back, offering a long-term solution for toenails that repeatedly become ingrown.
Does ingrown toenail treatment hurt?
Procedures are performed under local anesthetic, so patients should not feel pain during treatment. Most people experience only mild soreness afterward and can walk the same day.
How can I get started with ingrown toenail treatment near me?
Schedule an appointment with Choice Podiatry Center so Dr. Iwu can examine the toe and recommend the right treatment for your situation.