For the past two years, I have been getting ingrown toenails and I have tried almost everything to get rid of them. My first time getting one, I went to the doctor and he put needles into the toe and then cut it, but it didnt work... then the second time I had it, I tried cutting my own... that didn't work either and it was very painful. A while back I started to get yet another one and I went to the hospital and the doctor put me to sleep, then he burned the sides of my nail so it would not grow back, sprayed it with some liquid, and then he burned the infection off the skin also. I am getting another one right now and I tried putting the cotton under the nail, but it doesn't work either.
I had to quit sports because of this problem and I don't know if I can put up with more of those damn needles in my toe... the pain is too intense.
I would really like to know if anyone has any tips on how I can actually get rid of this problem. I cut my nails the right way. I have researched on the internet and they all tell me to do things that don't work.
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
I had one of my toenail 'fixed' by a regular doctor and the pain was intense so I know what you are talking about. Years later I went to a podiatrist with the same nail and it was painless. I would go with the specialist the next time if the need arises.
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
Well, when I went to the children's hospital, the doctor who did the procedure was a podiatrist. Did you go to one of those private podiatrist's?
And if so, how much did you pay?
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
Yes, he was private but it was many years ago when I was under my parents care and I don't know what the cost would be now. My Dh sees a podiatrist and it would be very expensive if our insurance did not cover it. I hope you find some relief. I know it is very painful.
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
I went to a podiatrist and had all four borders of my nails removed to get rid of the ingrown nails (both toes, both sides of each nail). I have insurance and only paid 300.00 (made payments). It was a semipainful procedure, but I requested a valium to help me relax and was actually able to watch the last third of the procedure(not for the faint of heart though). I was off my feet for two days, off from work a week (but I work in a hospital-on my feet 12 hours a day and risk having a wheel chair run over me feet!)
This procedure is the only way you can get rid of ingrown nails. And there is a possiblity they will return. My dr said to be watchful of the kinds of shoes you wear. Square toe box on shoes are best, wher none of the toe area pushes on your feet. I wear adidas and it is perfect. Make sure your shoes FIT! If you remove the nail yourself, it will only grow back. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt is a great way to ease the pain and I think it will help with the nail bed too. Good luck!
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
I just got my ingrown toenail cut. The private podiatrist sprayed my nail with some cold liquid and then stuck needles in it. It didn't hurt that much, but right now it's killing me, even though I have pain killers. I had to pay 700 bucks for the procedure.
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
how come you had to pay 700.00? I am guessing you didn't have insurance? I owed about 281.00 after insurance picked up the other 900.00. They will hurt, did your doc tell you to soak them in epsom salt???
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
You will be feeling better soon. Sorry to hear that the procedured was so hard on your pocket book. It'll be worth it once all the pain is gone. Good luck.
Re: How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails?
I do have insurance, mel1977. But for some reason, I could not get covered for going to a private podiatrist. I was covered last time when I went to the one at the Children's hospital.
And yes, he wants me to soak them in epsom salt for 45 minutes before going to bed. He gave me a prescription for Ciprofloxacin pills, and Ciprofloxacin drops that I put on the nail.
700 is a mere sminch compared to the pain I was in. If it works, I will be a super happy camper, and I was willing to pay much more if needed.
How can I actually get rid of ingrown toenails? 
