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.

As such, seeking professional ingrown toenail treatment in Singapore early can help minimise the risk of further discomfort and complications.

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 corners 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, 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. They can provide safe removal and care, helping to address discomfort and mitigate further issues.

Set Your Toenails Straight Efficiently And Safely With Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic!

Treatment For Ingrown Toenails

At Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic, we offer a range of treatment options for ingrown nails, 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.

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.

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. Additionally, we will educate you about ingrown toenails and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Then, we will elaborate on our treatment options, which are either the slant-back procedure, nail bracing, or 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 a few days to minimise bleeding and infection.

Depending on the type of treatment you received to address your ingrown toenail, 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

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.

Get the care and treatment you need to manage the regrowth of ingrown toenails and work towards achieving your recovery goals with our help.

Aside from ingrown toenail removal, we also help address other foot and nail conditions, providing foot corn treatment and toenail fungus 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.

For procedures like Partial Nail Avulsion with Chemical Matrixectomy, they reduce the likelihood of regrowth by targeting the nail matrix.

Is the ingrown nail treatment painful?

Podiatrists aim to ensure that treatments are as comfortable as possible. For surgical procedures, 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.