Foot Problems Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Allison Harvey, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Diagnosis

The doctor will decide if an infection is present or not and how aggressively to treat it.

• The doctor will evaluate your ingrown toenail by asking how the problem developed (if any injury, when it started) and about other medical problems, medications, allergies, and most recent tetanus immunization.



• A physical exam will include checking temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, a detailed examination of the foot, toenail, and the lymph nodes in the groin, and possibly an X-ray of the foot.



• Blood tests may be performed if you have a severe infection or a history of diabetes.