How Much Does it Cost to Treat an Ingrown Toenail Without Insurance?

Ingrown toenails can be difficult to manage at home; if you need to seek professional medical treatment, your costs for a minor ingrown toenail surgery will typically range from $125 - $375 without insurance.

The Cost of Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Different Clinics & Locations 

The cost of ingrown toenail treatment can depend on several factors, including the severity of your condition, how many toenails you have, and the region you live in. According to our research, the costs of treating an ingrown toenail range from $190 - $355. Prices in larger cities such as New York City or Los Angeles tend to be more expensive.

Cost of Ingrown Toenail Treatment Across the U.S.

Additional Costs 

Additional costs of ingrown toenail surgery include the consultation fee before the appointment and expenses associated with local anesthesia. Generally, most locations include local anesthesia in their price range, but this information is provided below for your reference. Additionally, there are specific aftercare products that also contribute to an additional cost. These products contain antibiotics such as Betadine to prevent infection and Epsom salts to reduce inflammation and swelling. 

Factors that Influence the Cost of Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Besides your geographic location, other factors might influence the cost of your ingrown toenail treatment. You can resolve some ingrown toenails at home, but professional medical attention is needed in some other cases.

The severity of the Condition (Infection)

There are three different classifications of severity for an ingrown toenail. Stage 1 is your most standard case where there is slight redness, swelling, and pain when pressure is applied. This is the most common presentation of an ingrown toenail but can become more severe if untreated—stage 2 consists of increased symptoms from stage 1, but with infection and fluid drainage. Stage 3 is the most severe, with even more symptoms in addition to overgrowth of the nail bed, granulation tissue, and excess pus. Treating a stage 3 ingrown toenail involves the removal of part of your toenail, which can cost around $2000 if you are uninsured.

Insurance

Sometimes, medicare can cover ingrown toenails if the treatment is deemed medically necessary. If your condition is related to another disease such as diabetes, cancer, blood clots, chronic kidney disease, or cancer, your condition will be covered by your Medicare plan.

Additionally, most private insurance plans are accepted by most clinics as long as that podiatrist is within your plan’s network. Make sure to call your clinic ahead of your appointment to confirm your insurance coverage. 

Ingrown Toenail Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following section will answer some frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails. 

How long will it take to recover from this procedure?

Depending on the severity of your condition and the presence of infection, the healing time for this procedure can vary from person to person. Generally, it is important to wear comfortable and loose shoes with cotton socks for about two weeks. However, most individuals will likely be able to resume normal activities within about one week. 

What are the signs of an ingrown toenail?

Signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail consist of swelling and redness around the affected area. You will also likely notice pain when pressure is applied to your toe. In the early stages, an ingrown toenail is self-treatable with home remedies. 

How do you prevent an ingrown toenail?

There are several methods to prevent ingrown toenails. Generally, monitoring your feet for any signs and symptoms of this condition is essential, especially if you have diabetes. If you find yourself at high risk of injuring your toes due to your job or physical activity, make sure to wear protective footwear and shoes that fit correctly/ 

In terms of self-care, it is vital to keep your toenails trimmed. Nails that are too long or short can result in ingrown toenails. Additionally, make sure to clip your toenails straight across instead of curved ones to prevent your nails from growing into the side of your toe. 

What does home care consist of for an ingrown toenail?

If your ingrown toenail is mild and has no symptoms of infection, you can likely treat your toenail at home. The following steps can help prevent your ingrown toenail from progressing or requiring medical attention. 

1. Soak your feet in warm water a few times a day
2. After soaking your feet, try to insert a piece of floss or small pieces of cotton underneath the part of your toenail that is digging into your foot. This can help redirect the toenail to grow horizontally rather than into your toe.
3. Put vaseline on your toe and bandage it.

How should you take care of your feet after the procedure? 

After the procedure, you must pay close attention to post-procedure instructions given by your provider. Most likely, they will ask you to change the dressing 12-24 hours following the procedure. If you find the dressing challenging to remove, you can soak your feet in warm water before removing the dressing. Depending on your provider's advice, you should change your dressing once or twice a day for the following week or two. Additionally, you should soak your feet with Epsom salts about 2 to 3 times daily. This should help relieve residual pain and discourage any possible infection during recovery. 

Bottom Line 

Ultimately, there can be various ways to treat an ingrown toenail, either at home or in a clinic. If you need medical attention, your costs will range from $125 to $375 based on your location, the severity of your condition, and insurance status. 

Mira is an excellent alternative to health insurance if you are uninsured or underinsured. 

If you need attention for your ingrown toenail, Mira can help you save on after-care prescriptions and your initial consultation with a provider. For just $25 a month, Mira provides affordable urgent care visits, laboratory testing, and discounted medications. Sign up for Mira today!