Ingrown Toenail
Removal & Treatment
Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be both painful and frustrating. At ModPod Podiatry, we specialise in ingrown toenail removal and ingrown toenail treatment
What is a Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and inflammation. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to infection, swelling, and more severe foot complications.
Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe but can occur on any toe. People of all ages can develop this condition, though it’s particularly common in athletes, individuals with curved nails, and those who wear tight-fitting shoes.
Symptoms & Causes of a Ingrown Nail
Recognising the signs of an ingrown toenail early can help prevent complications and the need for more invasive treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness along the sides of the affected toenail
- Redness and swelling around the nail
- Warmth or sensitivity when pressure is applied to the toe
- Pus or drainage, indicating infection
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional ingrown toenail treatment as soon as possible to avoid further discomfort or infection.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
- Incorrect nail trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Always cut nails straight across to reduce this risk.
- Tight footwear: Shoes that pinch the toes or place excessive pressure on the nails can cause ingrown toenails. Wearing properly fitted shoes can help prevent this issue.
- Trauma: Injuries to the toenail, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can damage the nail and cause it to grow abnormally.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to naturally curved or thick nails.
- Poor foot hygiene: Keeping feet clean and dry can prevent infections and reduce the risk of ingrown toenails developing.
When To Seek Professional Help?
While some mild cases of ingrown toenails may improve with home remedies like soaking the foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail, more serious or recurrent cases require professional treatment. Attempting to self-treat an ingrown toenail can lead to infection, worsening pain, and further complications, especially if the nail continues to grow improperly.
At ModPod Podiatry, our podiatrists are trained in safe and effective ingrown toenail removal techniques, ensuring a swift and comfortable solution to the problem. Whether the ingrown toenail is a one-time occurrence or part of an ongoing issue, we provide tailored treatment plans to address your needs.
Treatment Options
At ModPod Podiatry, we offer several ingrown toenail treatment options, depending on the severity of your condition. Our goal is to relieve pain, prevent infection, and stop the toenail from continuing to grow into the skin. Here are some common treatments we provide:
1. Conservative Treatment
For mild cases or early-stage ingrown toenails, conservative treatments may be enough to resolve the issue. These include:
- Nail trimming: Our podiatrists will trim the affected nail properly and may lift the edge of the nail slightly to help it grow above the skin.
- Padding and taping: Placing padding between the nail and skin can encourage the nail to grow in the correct direction, reducing pain and discomfort.
- Antibiotic ointments: If an infection is present, we may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation and clear up the infection.
2. Partial Nail Removal
In more severe cases or for recurrent ingrown toenails, partial nail removal (also known as a partial nail avulsion) may be necessary. This involves removing the portion of the nail that is causing the problem. During this procedure:
- Our podiatrist will numb the affected toe with a local anaesthetic.
- The ingrown portion of the nail is carefully removed.
- If needed, a chemical or laser treatment may be applied to prevent the ingrown toenail from returning.
Partial nail removal is a quick and effective procedure that provides long-lasting relief, and recovery time is typically minimal.
Why Choose ModPod For
Ingrown Toenail Treatment?
At ModPod Podiatry, we understand how painful and frustrating ingrown toenails can be. Our experienced podiatrists are here to provide effective, long-lasting solutions to your foot pain, using advanced techniques and compassionate care.
We are committed to delivering the highest standard of ingrown toenail treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Our clinics are conveniently located across Sydney and the Central Coast, making it easy for you to access expert foot care when you need it most.
We tailor our treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that you get the right care to solve your ingrown toenail problem.
