Ingrown Toenail Management and Surgery
What is an ingrown toenail? An ingrown toenail is when the nail (most commonly the big toenail) begins to grow into the skin on the sides or margins of the nail.
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Signs & Symptoms include:
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Pain, tenderness and swelling along the edges of the nail
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Redness and warmth
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Possible infection in the localised area which may or may not have a discharge.
What causes ingrown toenails?
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Poor cutting technique for the shape of your nail
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Poorly fitted footwear
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Involuted/pincer nails: where the nail may be excessively curved leading to irregular nail growth.
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Thickened/fungal nails
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Wide or “chubby” toes
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Toe deformity
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Subungal Exostosis
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Trauma: from hitting the toe or from other toes compressing the side of the nail.
Treatment is relatively painless and can provide immediate relief. A comprehensive assessment is performed by your Podiatrist to determine the cause of the invading nail portion and education/management is implemented based on this.
What is involved toenail surgery? Toenail surgery can either involve the whole nail being permanently removed or just the problematic side/s of the nail.
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Please contact our clinic to find out more about these management services for ingrown toenails or to make an appointment for assessment by our experienced podiatrists.