Podiatry/Chiropody Conditions
What is an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows inwards of the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It typically affects the big toenail but can occur on any toe.
What are the causes:
- Poor nail cutting - cutting nails too short or rounded
- Tight footwear that presses nails into the skin
- Trauma to the nail
- Naturally curved or thickened toenails
Podiatry/Chiropody Conditions
What treatments can help
Podiatry
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Using specialised nail cutters and other podiatry tools, your podiatrists will gently and safely remove the problematic section of nail and relieve you of discomfort.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery (Partial/ Full Nail Evulsion)
For a more permanent solution, your Podiatrist will perform a minor nail surgery, which is undertaken with local anaesthetic, to prevent the nail from growing inwards. Typical recovery from nail surgery is 6-8 weeks. You can continue with your routine as normal however your toenail will be dressed, and you will have a series of follow ups to monitor the healing.
How you will feel after treatment
After an ingrown toenail treatment, you are likely to feel an immediate reduction in pain and pressure. Walking and wearing shoes become far more comfortable, and any infection or swelling will quickly begin to subside once treated.
Occasionally the ingrown toenail may need additional treatment, if your podiatrist can’t get to it all on the first appointment. If you are still feeling discomfort, we would book you in for a free follow up to have it treated further.
