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Ingrown Toenail Treatment Singapore
Onychocryptosis, commonly known as ingrown nails, is a condition that can affect people of all ages.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort. If left untreated, it may increase the risk of infection.
Take action now to prevent complications!
Our expert podiatrist can provide professional care for ingrown nails.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail can be caused or exacerbated by several factors, such as:
- Improperly-sized footwear: The adjacent skin may be forced against the nail if your shoes are too tight.
- Not cutting your toenails correctly: Cutting your nails too short or leaving sharp edges at the corner encourages the nail to grow into your skin.
- Toenail injuries: A toenail that has been pulled or peeled off at the edge might become distorted and create an ingrown toenail.
- Fungal infections: These can cause your nail to thicken or expand, increasing the likelihood of it growing into your skin.
- Toenail shape: You're more prone to getting ingrown toenails if you have fan-shaped nails or very curved toenails.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Nail
Your big toes are most likely to be affected by ingrown toenails.
Some of the most common symptoms in its early stages include:
- Swelling
- Pain (especially when pressure is placed on the affected toenail)
- Tenderness
- Build-up of fluid
Other symptoms that may appear once an infection has set in include:
- Swelling and redness
- Bleeding
- Overgrowth of the skin around the nail plate
- Pus
When left untreated, the problem can spread to the underlying bone in severe cases, resulting in a deadly infection.
Furthermore, patients with diabetes or other disorders that cause poor blood flow are at a higher risk of complications.
Set your toenails straight efficiently and safely with Dr Foot Podiatric Clinic!
Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
At Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic, we offer a range of treatment options for ingrown toenails, including conservative and surgical approaches. Our goal is to cater to the individual needs of our patients
Slant-back Procedure (Conservative)
A conservative treatment option for ingrown toenails involves removing a small section of the nail without the need for local anesthesia. This procedure provides immediate pain relief. However, it's important to note that it is not a permanent solution as it does not address the underlying curved shape of the toenail. In some cases, the nail may regrow and cause discomfort again.
Nail Bracing (Conservative)
Nail bracing is a conservative and non-invasive option for managing an ingrown toenail. It is a safe and painless method that allows you to resume your regular activities after application.
Corrective nail braces are medical devices that apply pressure to the affected area, similar to dental braces, in order to modify tissues and promote healing.
A customized nail brace can be applied in just a few minutes and has the potential to effectively address ingrown nail conditions. Over time, it can help straighten the entire toenail.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery with Chemical Matrixectomy
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is a commonly performed outpatient procedure for managing an ingrown toenail. Local anesthesia is used during the surgery to minimize discomfort.
The procedure involves trimming the affected sides of the toenail to make it narrower and provide a straight edge. Additionally, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail matrix to prevent future growth of the affected nail.
Recovery typically takes about 3-6 weeks and involves a few dressing changes. A final visit is scheduled to ensure proper healing.
This surgery has a high success rate of around 95% with minimal chances of recurrence and improved cosmetic outcomes.
Ingrown Toenail Removal at Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic
Suspect that you might have an ingrown toenail?
Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic is here to guide you through your pain with our educative care and efficient podiatric treatments.
Consultation
Each 1.5-hour consultation begins with history taking by our expert podiatrist. This is where we delve into your symptoms and possible factors to determine the most likely cause of your ingrown toenail.
Diagnosis
Following that, a physical examination will be carried out to assess the severity of your condition.
Treatment
Upon diagnosis of ingrown toenails, we begin customising your treatment plan. In addition, we will educate you about your condition and field any questions or concerns you may have.
Then, we will elaborate on our treatment options, which are the slant-back procedure, nail bracing, and nail surgery.
The most appropriate treatment will be chosen to help you relieve pain and achieve your health goals efficiently.
Recovery & Prevention
After your treatment, we provide personalised lifestyle advice to avoid putting any strain on your toes and decrease the chance of future harm.
If you undergo nail surgery, your toe will be wrapped in a thick dressing after the procedure. You will need to wear the bandage for around two days to minimise bleeding and infection.
Depending on the type of treatment you received, you may be required to attend a follow-up session. This allows us to check for any additional issues you may have had and ensure that your recovery progresses as smoothly as possible.
Experience relief from ingrown toenail at Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic
Our podiatrist has extensive experience and specialized skills in the treatment of foot and nail conditions.
To minimize the risk of infection, we utilize sterilized and specialized medical devices for the removal of ingrown toenails. Additionally, we take care to properly file down the nail sides to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Experience relief from ingrown toenails and work towards achieving your recovery goals with our professional care!