At Fix My Feet Podiatry, we encounter ingrown toenail complaints daily, making them one of the most common conditions treated at our practice. An ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edges or sides of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and often infection. While this condition typically affects the big toe, it can develop on any toe and can involve one or both sides of the nail.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can be caused by a variety of factors. Improper nail trimming is one of the most common causes, especially when the corners of the nails are cut too short or rounded. Other contributors include:
Symptoms to Watch For
Patients with ingrown toenails typically present with pain and tenderness around the affected nail. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to severe pain, infection, and difficulty walking or engaging in physical activities.
The area may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch, and in some cases, pus may form if an infection has set in.
Treatment Options
At Fix My Feet Podiatry, we use both conservative and 'surgical' methods to treat ingrown toenails. We always tailor the treatment plan to the severity of the condition and the patient’s specific needs.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by a variety of factors. Improper nail trimming is one of the most common causes, especially when the corners of the nails are cut too short or rounded. Other contributors include:
- Tight-fitting or improperly sized footwear that puts pressure on the toes.
- Trauma or injury to the toe.
- Fungal infections, which can thicken or widen the nail.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Foot structure issues, such as flat feet or excessive pronation.
- Certain medications that may affect nail growth.
Symptoms to Watch For
Patients with ingrown toenails typically present with pain and tenderness around the affected nail. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to severe pain, infection, and difficulty walking or engaging in physical activities.
The area may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch, and in some cases, pus may form if an infection has set in.
Treatment Options
At Fix My Feet Podiatry, we use both conservative and 'surgical' methods to treat ingrown toenails. We always tailor the treatment plan to the severity of the condition and the patient’s specific needs.
| Conservative Ingrown Toenail Removal This approach is typically the first line of treatment. It involves the ‘gentle’ removal of the offending nail piece that is digging into the skin. Trimming the nail properly can alleviate discomfort, but it’s important to note that at-home attempts to manage ingrown toenails can lead to infection or worsen the condition if not done correctly. Professional treatment ensures that the nail is trimmed in a way that prevents recurrence. |  image by Birmingham Podiatry Clinic, 2022 |
| Surgical Nail Wedge Resection (NWR) or Partial Nail Avulsion For more severe or recurrent cases, a minor surgical procedure called a Nail Wedge Resection (NWR) may be recommended. This procedure, performed under local anaesthetic, involves removing a small wedge of the affected nail along with a portion of the underlying nail matrix (growth plate). A chemical agent called phenol is used to destroy the part of the nail matrix responsible for regrowth, offering a permanent solution to ingrown toenails. Importantly, the entire nail is not removed -just the problematic section. |  image by Toronto Foot Care |
Why Seek Treatment?
Many patients are hesitant to seek professional care for their ingrown toenails, either due to fear of discomfort or because they assume the condition will resolve on its own. However, ingrown toenails rarely improve without intervention and can lead to complications like infection, prolonged pain, and difficulty walking. Seeking timely and professional treatment is essential to avoid these complications and to ensure lasting relief.
At Fix My Feet Podiatry, we are highly skilled in managing ingrown toenails, offering both immediate pain relief and long-term solutions. Whether through conservative trimming techniques or minor surgical procedures like Nail Wedge Resection, we aim to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail or have any concerns about your foot health, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to providing effective, compassionate care to all of our patients.
You can contact our practice at 010 110 0171 to schedule an appointment or consultation.
Many patients are hesitant to seek professional care for their ingrown toenails, either due to fear of discomfort or because they assume the condition will resolve on its own. However, ingrown toenails rarely improve without intervention and can lead to complications like infection, prolonged pain, and difficulty walking. Seeking timely and professional treatment is essential to avoid these complications and to ensure lasting relief.
At Fix My Feet Podiatry, we are highly skilled in managing ingrown toenails, offering both immediate pain relief and long-term solutions. Whether through conservative trimming techniques or minor surgical procedures like Nail Wedge Resection, we aim to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail or have any concerns about your foot health, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to providing effective, compassionate care to all of our patients.
You can contact our practice at 010 110 0171 to schedule an appointment or consultation.
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