Flatirons Foot & Ankle Clinic Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Longmont, CO
Ingrown Toenails Treatment—Gentle, Expert Care for Painful Nails
An ingrown toenail can begin as a small irritation and quickly become a painful, infected nuisance that interferes with walking, exercise, and even wearing shoes. At Flatirons Foot & Ankle Clinic in Longmont, Dr. Ritchie Steed offers expert evaluation and treatment to resolve ingrown toenails comfortably and prevent them from recurring.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This irritating condition often affects the big toe and can be caused by tight footwear, improper clipping techniques, or repeated pressure from activity.
Signs & Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
Most patients report:
Pain or tenderness along the nail edge
Redness and swelling around the toenail
Signs of infection, such as warmth, pus, or drainage
Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably
If left untreated, ingrown nails can lead to deeper infection or even cellulitis, especially in patients with diabetes or compromised circulation.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Common contributing factors include:
Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners
Shoes that compress the toes
Trauma to the nail from impact
Genetic nail shape tendencies
Understanding the cause helps Dr. Steed design a treatment plan that not only relieves pain but also minimizes future risk.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails
At Flatirons Foot & Ankle Clinic, treatment begins with a thorough exam and may include:
Targeted relief
Gentle trimming and debridement
Treatment of any infection
Partial nail removal under local anesthesia for stubborn or recurrent cases
When necessary, Dr. Steed may perform a nail matrix ablation — a procedure that prevents the problematic portion of nail from growing back, providing lasting relief.
Personal Prevention & Home Care
After treatment, you’ll receive guidance on:
Proper toenail trimming practices
Choosing shoes with sufficient toe room
Daily foot hygiene to minimize infection risk
Why Choose Dr. Steed at Flatirons Foot & Ankle Clinic for Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Longmont, CO
Ingrown toenails are common, but poorly treated ones often return. Dr. Steed’s method focuses on both immediate relief and long-term prevention. Patients appreciate the clinic’s gentle approach and thorough education on avoiding future problems — especially valuable for athletes, active adults, and individuals with sensitive feet.
Don’t suffer another step.
Book your ingrown toenail appointment in Longmont today.