You don’t have to endure the “bathroom surgery” routine – digging at your nail at home often worsens things. Dr. Patish specializes in gentle, effective ingrown toenail treatment. Here’s how we take care of it:

• Expert Evaluation: We’ll examine the toe to confirm it’s an ingrown nail and not another issue. If there’s infection present (your toe is very red, swollen, with pus), we may prescribe antibiotics to calm it down
  – but we’ll still address the nail itself to prevent ongoing problems.
• Comfortable Nail Correction: Worried about pain? Don’t be. We numb your toe with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. (Yes, a quick pinch from the numbing shot is about the worst of it – and our skilled doctor has techniques to make even that minimal.) Once you’re numb, Dr. Patish will carefully remove the ingrown portion of the nail. This provides immediate relief of pressure. Suppose the nail border is severely embedded or ingrown repeatedly. In that case, we perform a matrixectomy – meaning we remove a tiny section of the nail root to prevent that edge from growing back. This permanent solution stops chronic ingrown nails in their tracks.
• Quick and Convenient: Thanks to the local anesthetic, the procedure is fast and relatively painless. It’s done right in our office—no hospital needed. Most patients are back on their feet the same day with minimal restrictions. You can walk out of our clinic (with a much happier toe) and typically resume normal activities by the next day. We’ll bandage the toe and give you simple PRINTED care instructions, but you won’t be sidelined.
• Aftercare and Healing: We’ll show you how to keep the area clean and protected as it heals (usually just a couple of weeks for full healing of the nail border). Once the numbing wears off, any mild soreness is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, though most people don’t even need those. We schedule a follow-up if needed to ensure your toe is healing well and that infection, if present, is clearing up.

We don’t just treat the ingrown nail – we help you prevent it from coming back. Here are some pro tips to keep your toes in the clear:

• Trim Nails Properly: Cut your toenails straight across with a clean clipper, and don’t round off the corners too much. Also, avoid cutting nails too short – leave a little white nail edge.
• Wear Roomy Footwear: Choose shoes with plenty of toe room. If you’re in steel-toe boots or dress shoes for work, consider a wider size or styles with a roomy toe box. Your toes shouldn’t feel jammed together.
• Protect Your Feet: If you’re an athlete or in the military, your feet take a pounding. Change socks regularly to reduce moisture, and check your toes after long marches or runs. Address any pain early – a small ingrown can worsen fast with continued activity.
• Don’t Self-Surgery: It’s tempting to “dig out” an ingrown nail at home, but this can cause infection or worsen the ingrown nail. Soak your foot in warm, salty water to ease discomfort, but leave the nail handling to professionals if it’s severe or doesn't improve in a few days.
• Mind Your Kids’ Toes: If you have teenagers (especially athletes), teach them not to tear or bite their toenails. We often see ingrowns in kids who rip nails instead of cutting them properly.

Remember: If you notice signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, drainage or pus, or intense pain), or if you have a condition like diabetes that makes foot problems risky, see us right away. Swift treatment will prevent complications.

Choosing Dr. Patish’s office means getting experienced care with a personal touch. Our team has handled countless ingrown nails – from the simplest to the most stubborn. We understand that a sore toe can ruin your day (or your military drill or tennis match), so we prioritize getting you relief fast. Patients often remark how quick and easy the procedure was and wonder why they “waited so long to come in.” We also address underlying causes – from shoe advice to nail-trimming techniques – so the problem stays gone.

Our care is characterized by a gentle approach, thorough aftercare guidance, and a bit of humor to put you at ease. We’ll even cheer with you when you put your shoe back on without wincing!

Bottom line: You don’t need to live with the pain or keep draining that infected corner at home. Our comprehensive treatment will solve the issue and help prevent it from coming back so you can return to pain-free steps.

Ready to put the pain behind you? We’re here to help your feet feel their best.

Take the Next Step – Get Relief Now: Don’t let an ingrown toenail sideline you. Contact us today to book a convenient appointment. You can call or text our clinic – whichever is easiest for you. We welcome urgent cases, so if your toe is bothering you, we’ll do our best to see you ASAP. Kick foot pain to the curb and step out with confidence – pain-free!