Conditions We Treat

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a common problem, usually affecting the big toe. They are caused when the side of the toenail growing into surrounding flesh, causing pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Ingrown toenails affects people of all age groups. Children may get it due to tight fitting footwear or improper cutting of toenails. Teenagers and young adults often develop ingrown toenails as they tend to sweat more. In older people, ingrown toenails are common as they may be too inflexible to take care of their own feet. Toenails may also tend to get thicker with age and become more difficult to cut.

Common risk factors of ingrown toenails

When the nail is cut too short or rounded at the edges
Wearing shoes that are too tight
History of injury to toenail
Sweaty feet
Having naturally curved toenails
Obesity
Medical conditions which causes your legs to swell
Taking medication to treat cancer

Symptoms Of Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail can be easily diagnosed without any complicated examination.

Signs and symptoms of ingrown toe nail include

Pain and tenderness along the side of the affected nail
Redness and swelling may be present if it is left untreated
For severe cases, infection, with pus and discharge may be present as well

Complications Of Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are usually noticeable early on as they hurt. If treated in time, it is possible to prevent any bacterial infection such as cellulitis. This usually presents with inflammation and pus around the area. Some people may experience lethargy and have a fever if the infection is serious. Complications can be severe if in someone with diabetes, who often has poor blood flow and nerve damage to the feet or have a poor immune system. Leading to poor healing wounds or bone infection.

Treatment For Ingrown Toenails

The most suitable treatment for ingrown toenails depends on the how serious it is. Early stages of ingrown toenail can be treated with a ‘slant back cut’ done by a Podiatrist and monitoring of nail growth. If toenails are naturally curved, a special brace can also be applied to shape the growth of the nail and prevent future recurrence. In some cases, a Nail Avulsion procedure can be performed to remove the affected part of the nail. This can involve removing a small bit of nail or the whole nail, depending on the condition. Techniques can be applied to prevent future nail growth in the affected area.

Our team of highly experienced Podiatrists can provide an accurate assessment and advise on the most suitable treatment for your ingrown toenail. Get in touch with us to find out more.

Podiatrist Recommended Care Tips For Ingrown Toenails

Trim your toenails straight across. Do not trim toenails in a curved shape. If you have a condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet and you can’t trim your nails, see a Podiatrist regularly to have your nails trimmed.
Keep toenails at a moderate length. Trim toenails they are at the same length with the tips of your toes. If you trim your toenails too short, the pressure from your shoes on your toes may direct a nail to grow into the tissue.
Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes are narrow or too tight in the front places pressure on your toes or pinch them. This may cause a nail to grow into surrounding tissue. If you have nerve damage to your feet, you may not be able to feel if your shoes fit too tightly. Take care to buy and wear properly fitted shoes, allowing space for your toes to wriggle in the front of the shoe.
Wear appropriate footwear. If your work puts you at risk of injuring your toes, wear protective footwear, such as steel-toed shoes. If you tend to have sweaty feet, consider wearing open toed or ‘breathable’ shoes.
Check your feet regularly. Check your feet daily for signs of ingrown toenails or other foot problems.