Ingrown Toenails
What are they?
Ingrown toenails are a painful condition of the toe, occurring when a sharp, often pointy edge of the nail digs into the skin around the top or side of the toe.
Why treat them?
An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) can cause pain and become inflamed. The site can become infected, can be red, swollen, and ooze pus. This can stop a patient walking and wearing shoes. The condition most commonly occurs in the big toe but can also present in the lesser toes. Ingrown toenails can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, nail shape, improper nail cutting amongst others.
How can I help you?
I can help to identify possible causes for the onychocryptosis or involution to occur. We can also remove the nail spicule painlessly or perform a surgical procedure for a more permanent resolution under local anaesthetic. I can also offer advice on self care at home.
Nail surgery as a permanent resolution
Minor surgical intervention can be used if the ingrown nail is severe, if conservative care is difficult, or if the ingrown toenail does not respond well to conservative treatment. Nail surgery is a relatively simple procedure and a permanent solution to the problem.
There are a few different minor surgical procedures that can be utilised to treat an ingrown nail. These can all be performed in the treatment room under local anaesthetic.
The most common minor surgical procedure is the removal of a portion along the side of the nail. In some cases it may be necessary to remove the entire nail. At the base of the nail a chemical is applied to stop the nail from re-growing.
After the surgery, you will need to keep your foot elevated for a few hours and rest. You can return to work or school the following day. It is advised that you refrain from sports and running for a few weeks.
