An ingrown toenail happens when the nail grows into the skin around it. This can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Many people want to know how long it takes for an ingrown toenail to heal. The answer depends on how bad it is and how it is treated.
If you live in Chicagoland, United Foot & Ankle Surgeons can help. Dr. TJ Ahn and his team use minimally invasive treatments to fix ingrown toenails quickly and with less pain.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is when the nail digs into the skin instead of growing straight. It usually affects the big toe. You may see redness, swelling, or feel sharp pain when walking.
Common causes
Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners
Wearing tight shoes that press on your toes
Toe injuries from sports or accidents
A natural nail shape that curves inward
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
The healing time depends on how severe the ingrown toenail is.
Mild cases can heal in a few days with proper home care.
Moderate to severe cases may take 1–2 weeks after professional treatment.
At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, healing is often faster because we use gentle, modern techniques.
Home Care for Mild Ingrown Toenails
If the toenail is only mildly painful, home care can help. Soaking your foot softens the nail and reduces swelling. Loose shoes also prevent extra pressure.
Steps to try at home
Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt 2–3 times a day
Gently lift the nail edge with clean cotton if possible
Use antibiotic ointment to avoid infection
Wear open-toed or roomy shoes until it heals
If the toenail looks infected or the pain worsens, see a doctor.
Professional Treatment at United Foot & Ankle Surgeons
When home care does not work, professional treatment is the best choice. Dr. TJ Ahn offers several ways to treat ingrown toenails.
Non-surgical treatments
Careful nail trimming under sterile conditions
Devices to help the nail grow straight
Medications to reduce pain or infection
Minimally invasive surgery
For recurring or severe cases, partial nail removal may be needed. The toe is numbed, and only the ingrown part is removed. This is quick and most patients walk the same day.
Healing After Professional Treatment
First few days: Some tenderness; keep the toe clean and covered
One week: Pain improves, swelling goes down, walking feels normal
Two weeks: Most patients are fully healed and back to normal shoes
Minimally invasive methods used at our clinic help shorten recovery.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Prevention is easier than dealing with pain later. Follow these steps:
Trim nails straight across instead of rounding the edges
Do not cut nails too short
Wear shoes with enough space for your toes
Keep feet clean and dry
Check your feet often if you have diabetes or circulation problems
Why Choose United Foot & Ankle Surgeons?
Patients choose our clinic because we offer:
Minimally invasive treatments with less pain and faster recovery
Same-day relief for severe ingrown toenails
Personal care tailored to each patient
A trusted team serving Glenview and the Chicagoland area
We focus on treating the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.
4 Common Questions About Ingrown Toenail Healing
How can I tell if it’s infected?
Signs include redness, pus, swelling, and throbbing pain. If this happens, visit a specialist right away. We treat infections safely and prevent them from spreading.
Can I walk after the procedure?
Yes. Most patients can walk right after treatment. You may need to wear soft or open shoes for comfort while it heals.
Will it come back?
If the cause is not fixed, it can return. Permanent solutions, like removing part of the nail root, can prevent it from coming back.
When can I wear normal shoes again?
Usually in 1–2 weeks. Minimally invasive care means a shorter recovery compared to traditional methods.
Tips for Faster Healing
Keep the area clean and follow aftercare instructions
Avoid tight shoes during recovery
Soak your foot as directed by your doctor
Elevate the foot to reduce swelling
Attend follow-up appointments for proper healing
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Techniques
Traditional toenail surgery can be painful and slow to heal. Our minimally invasive methods use small tools and careful precision. This means less discomfort, less scarring, and quicker results.
Complete Foot Care at Our Clinic
We do more than treat ingrown toenails. Our clinic also helps with heel pain, flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, and sports injuries. Every patient receives a plan made just for them, whether it is therapy, orthotics, or surgery.
Why People Trust Dr. TJ Ahn
Patients in Chicagoland trust Dr. TJ Ahn because he combines skill, modern techniques, and a caring approach. Our Glenview clinic is known for fast, gentle care and long-term results.
Conclusion: Start Healing Your Ingrown Toenail Today
An ingrown toenail may seem small, but it can cause big pain. Healing time depends on treatment, but with expert care, recovery is quick. At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we provide minimally invasive treatments to stop the pain and prevent future problems.
If you are looking for foot and ankle specialists in Glenview or anywhere in Chicagoland, we are here to help. Visit unitedfootsurgeons.com or call our office today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward pain-free feet
