Ingrown toenails can be a very painful and frustrating condition. The pain usually occurs when the hard edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, irritating the local nerves and blood vessels. As the nail continues to press into the skin it can break the surface, leading to swelling, infection and increasing discomfort.
Our podiatrists treat ingrown toenails regularly and understand how quickly the pain can escalate. In many cases the problem can be resolved quickly and comfortably during a routine appointment by carefully removing the offending piece of nail.
Early Treatment
Most ingrown toenails can be treated quickly and comfortably during a standard podiatry appointment.
In many cases the offending piece of nail can be carefully removed without cutting the skin or requiring any local anaesthetic. Relief is usually immediate and patients are able to walk out of the clinic comfortably and return to normal activity straight away.
Treating ingrown toenails early helps prevent infection and avoids the need for more involved treatment.
Signs of an ingrown toenail may include:
- Pain or tenderness along the nail edge
- Redness or swelling around the nail
- Pain when wearing tighter shoes
- Throbbing in the toe
- Infection or discharge around the nail edge
When ingrown toenails continue to recur or become severely infected, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended to permanently resolve the problem.
The most common procedure performed is a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA).
This procedure involves removing the section of nail that is growing into the skin. A local anaesthetic is used to completely numb the toe so the procedure is pain free.
Once the offending nail edge is removed, a small amount of a chemical called phenol is applied to prevent that edge of the nail from growing back. This helps permanently stop the problem from recurring.
The procedure is safe, routine and usually takes less than an hour from arrival to leaving the clinic.
Patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure and can usually return to normal footwear within 24–48 hours. The surgical site generally takes several weeks to heal completely.
In some cases the entire nail may need to be removed. This is typically recommended for nails that are severely thickened, damaged or affected by long standing fungal infection.
Your podiatrist will discuss the most appropriate option depending on the condition of the nail.
Local anaesthetic is used to ensure the procedure is completely pain free. Our podiatrists use very fine needles and gentle techniques to keep the process as comfortable as possible.
For patients who feel anxious about procedures, medications can be prescribed where appropriate to help you feel relaxed during treatment.
