Ingrown Toenail Treatment Singapore

Onychocryptosis, commonly known as ingrown nails, is a condition that can affect people of all ages. If left untreated, it may increase the risk of infection. As such, seeking professional ingrown toenail treatment in Singapore early can help minimise the risk of further discomfort and complications.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail curves and grows into the soft skin alongside it, leading to localised pain and tenderness. Medically termed onychocryptosis, it’s one of the most common nail conditions seen in podiatric practice.

While the early stages may cause mild discomfort, the condition can progress quickly. Without intervention, the affected area becomes vulnerable to bacterial infection, which in severe cases can extend to the underlying tissue and bone.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Improperly-Sized Footwear

The adjacent skin may be forced against the nail if your shoes are too tight.

Incorrect Nail Cutting

Cutting your nails too short or leaving sharp edges at the corners encourages the nail to grow into your skin.

Nail Trauma

A direct blow to the toe, such as hitting it against a hard surface or dropping something on it, can distort the nail plate and encourage it to grow irregularly into the surrounding 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, individuals with diabetes or other disorders that cause poor blood flow are at a higher risk of complications. If you have diabetes or poor blood flow and suspect an ingrown toenail, it’s important to seek professional treatment from a podiatrist in Singapore.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown nail treatment in Singapore is worth pursuing sooner rather than later. Seek professional care if you experience any of the following:

Pain, redness, or swelling persists around the nail edge
Pus or discharge is present, suggesting infection has developed
The ingrown toenail keeps returning after home care
You have difficulty walking or wearing enclosed shoes comfortably
You have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in your feet
A child or elderly patient is affected; nails are harder to manage safely at home

No referral is required. You can book directly with our podiatrists.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

At Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic, we offer a range of toenail ingrown removal treatment options, including conservative and surgical approaches. Our goal is to cater to your individual needs.

Slant-Back Procedure (Conservative)

The slant-back procedure is a conservative treatment option used when only the corner edge of the toenail is digging into the surrounding skin. This method involves removing a small section of the nail without the need for local anaesthesia.

While it provides immediate pain relief, it’s essential to note that it’s not a permanent solution, as it does not address the underlying curved shape of the toenail. In some cases, the ingrown toenail may regrow and cause discomfort again.

Nail Bracing (Conservative)

Nail bracing is a conservative and non-invasive treatment option for managing an ingrown toenail. Corrective nail braces are used to apply pressure to the affected area in order to modify tissues and promote healing. Typically, it is a safe and painless method that allows you to resume your regular activities after application.

The customised nail brace can be applied in just a few minutes and has the potential to address ingrown nail conditions. Over time, it can help straighten the entire toenail.

Surgical Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

Partial Nail Avulsion (Minor Nail Surgery)

Partial nail avulsion is the most commonly performed surgical option for ingrown toenails. This partial toenail removal procedure targets only the affected nail edge, preserving the majority of the nail plate. Partial nail extraction in Singapore at Dr Foot is carried out under local anaesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort.

For recurring cases, partial toenail avulsion is often combined with nail matrixectomy to prevent the problematic nail edge from regrowing. Recovery typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, with a success rate of approximately 95%.

Total Nail Avulsion (For Severe or Deformed Toenails)

Toenail avulsion surgery in Singapore is reserved for severe cases involving heavily thickened, extensively damaged, or infected nails where partial toenail removal is insufficient. The entire nail is removed under local anaesthesia, and natural regrowth will occur over time unless a nail matrixectomy is performed alongside it.

Recovery takes slightly longer than partial nail avulsion given the full extent of the procedure.

Nail Matrixectomy (Procedure to Prevent Nail Regrowth)

Nail matrixectomy targets the nail root to permanently stop the problematic edge from regrowing. Following avulsion, a chemical agent is applied to the nail matrix to address the affected section. It’s most commonly combined with partial nail avulsion and functions primarily as a recurrence-prevention measure. Recovery typically takes 3 to 6 weeks with scheduled follow-up care.

After any surgical procedure, your toe will be dressed and you will receive detailed wound care instructions. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to confirm healing. Take note that diabetic patients require additional monitoring during and after surgical treatment; our team will discuss the appropriate precautions at your consultation.

Our Process of Ingrown Toenail Removal

Suspect that you might have an ingrown toenail? Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic is here to guide you through your pain with our informed care and evidence-based podiatric treatments.

Consultation

Each 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.

Physical Evaluation

Following that, a physical examination will be carried out to assess the severity of your condition.

Treatment

After the assessment, we begin customising your treatment plan. We will educate you about ingrown toenails and address any questions or concerns you may have. Then, we will recommend the most suitable treatment option to help you relieve pain and achieve your health goals efficiently. This can be the slant-back procedure, nail bracing, or nail surgery.

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. For patients who have undergone a partial or total toenail avulsion surgery, your toe will be wrapped in a thick dressing. You will need to wear the bandage for a few days to minimise bleeding and infection. Depending on the type of treatment you received, you may be required to attend a follow-up session.

Experience Relief From Ingrown Toenail At Dr Foot Podiatry

Our podiatrist is experienced in providing services that address various foot and nail conditions, including ingrown toenails. To minimise the risk of infection, we utilise sterilised 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.

Aside from ingrown toenail removal, we also help address other foot and nail conditions, including foot corn treatment and fungal nail treatment in Singapore.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Nail Treatment

Will the ingrown toenail come back after treatment?

It depends on the type of treatment received. Conservative treatments like the slant-back procedure may offer temporary relief, but the ingrown toenail can return. Procedures like Partial Nail Avulsion with Chemical Matrixectomy reduce the likelihood of regrowth by targeting the nail matrix. Managing contributing conditions such as toenail fungus also plays an important role in preventing recurrence.

Is the ingrown nail treatment painful?

Our podiatrists aim to ensure that treatments are as comfortable as possible. For toenail avulsion surgeries in Singapore, local anaesthesia is used to numb the area and ensure minimal pain during the procedure.

Can you walk after ingrown toenail treatment?

Most patients are able to walk immediately after treatment. However, it’s advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activity for a few days, especially after surgical procedures.

How do you manage ingrown nails in diabetic patients?

For diabetic patients, we take extra precautions due to their increased risk of infection and slower healing. Treatment typically involves a careful assessment, gentle nail care, and, if necessary, surgical intervention under sterile conditions. Post-treatment, we provide guidance on appropriate wound care and schedule close follow-ups to monitor healing and prevent complications.

What is the cost of full toenail removal?

The cost of full toenail removal can vary based on factors such as the complexity of your condition, the use of local anaesthesia, and any additional treatments required. At Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic, prices vary depending on the specific needs of your case. For a detailed breakdown, please refer to our nail and foot care fees.

How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

Follow these best practices:

Trim nails straight across rather than in a curved shape.
Wear properly fitted footwear.
Avoid cutting nails too short.

If you have recurring issues, a podiatrist can assess whether your nail shape, gait, or footwear is a contributing factor and recommend a long-term management plan.