Patient Login       Pay My Bill       Careers       Locations       (225) 766-0050

Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • October 22, 2024
Finding Relief in Baton Rouge: A Guide to Treating Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a common and painful foot condition that many people face. They occur when the side or corner of your toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding the nail, leading to pain, discomfort, redness, and, in some cases, infection. While any toe can be affected, the big toe is the most common site for ingrown nails. If left untreated, the nail can further embed into the skin, intensifying pain and increasing the risk of complications. Dealing with an ingrown toenail can quickly impact your daily routine, making simple tasks like walking or standing painful. Seeking proper treatment and learning preventive measures can help you get back on your feet and avoid future issues.


Meet Our Foot and Ankle Surgeons


What Are the Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails?

Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including:

  • Improper nail trimming: Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin.
  • Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that pinch or compress the toes can push the nail into the skin.
  • Trauma: Injuring your toe by stubbing it or dropping something on it can lead to nail deformities that increase the risk of ingrown nails.
  • Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to ingrown toenails due to inherited foot shapes or nail growth patterns.


Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

If caught in the early stages, you may be able to reduce symptoms and resolve your ingrown nail at home.

  • Soak your feet: Soaking your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Wear loose shoes: Opt for shoes that don’t put pressure on the affected area, allowing your toe to heal.
  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort.
  • Use cotton or dental floss: In some cases, gently lifting the nail with a small piece of cotton or dental floss can encourage it to grow away from the skin.


If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of home care, it may be time to consult a podiatrist for further treatment.


  • Non-surgical options: A podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics if the area is infected or may gently lift the nail away from the surrounding tissue and tape it in place to guide proper growth.
  • Surgical options: In more severe cases, trimming the ingrown part of the nail may be necessary to relieve pain and allow the nail to grow back normally. For the most extreme cases, a procedure called a matrixectomy may be required. This involves permanently removing the problematic section of the toenail and its underlying nail bed to prevent the issue from recurring.


How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented?

Preventing ingrown toenails involves making minor adjustments to your foot care routine:


Athletes or people with medical conditions such as diabetes should take special care when dealing with their toenails, as complications from ingrown nails can be more severe.


When to Seek Medical Attention for an Ingrown Nail?

While mild cases of ingrown toenails may resolve on their own, it’s important to seek medical attention if:

  • The pain is persistent and doesn’t improve with at-home treatments.
  • There are signs of infection (e.g., pus, warmth, or redness).
  • You experience recurring ingrown toenails.
  • You have underlying medical conditions like diabetes or circulation problems.


If you’re struggling with ingrown toenails and need relief, the foot and ankle specialists at Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge can provide you with expert care and help you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Don’t let foot pain hold you back—schedule your appointment today!

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
VIEW ALL BLOGS
Share by: