Foot Pain

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

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 customize a treatment plan, explain options, and choose the most effective method to relieve pain.

Recovery

After treatment, we provide personalized advice to prevent strain, apply a dressing if surgery was done, and may schedule a follow-up to ensure smooth recovery.

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!