Ingrown Toenails
Aiming to take the pain out of every step.
Toenails: Last, But Not Least
While toenails are some of our smallest body parts, they’re much more important than many people may realise. It may be easy to forget about them when they’re so far from our eyes and our everyday thoughts— that is, until we notice toenail pain or discomfort!
When ingrown toenails are on your mind and affecting how you live your life, it’s time to do something about them. Ingrown toenail treatment is readily available, and our dedicated Foot and Leg Pain Centre team has the experience and knowledge to assist you in getting back on your feet.
What are Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of toenails grow into the flesh of the toe. This often causes discomfort and pain and may lead to an infection if not addressed.
Typically, pain is minor to begin with, but it tends to progress without treatment. Ingrown toenails aren’t a self-healing condition, as they continue to grow in the wrong direction.
What are the Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails?
The symptoms of ingrown toenails may vary from person to person and typically begin gradually. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the toenail
- Tenderness
- Discomfort along the sides of the nail
- Redness
- Swelling
- A feeling of warmth in the affected area
- Increased sensitivity in the affected area
- Changes to the shape of the nail
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty wearing shoes
Ingrown Toenails Treatment
As the symptoms and severity vary, ingrown toenail treatment also varies. What may be an option for one person may not be the most appropriate method for another! At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we thoroughly assess your nails and consider your health as a whole before recommending treatment options. These may include:
- Antibiotic ointments
- Daily foot soaking
- Footwear adjustments
- Professional nail cutting and trimming
- Nail bracing
- Partial toenail removal, or partial nail avulsion (PNA)
- Total nail avulsion (TNA)
When it comes to partial nail avulsion, at Foot and Leg Pain Centre we take every precaution to make this procedure as stress-free as possible. In some circumstances, we also have the ability to numb the toe with an anesthetic, allowing for a more comfortable experience.
Why Choose Foot and Leg Pain Centre?
Treatment for All Ages
Our experienced team is committed to assisting patients of all ages, from children to older adults.
Dedicated Team
Dr Angus Chard, PhD, and his team are devoted to providing exceptional care for every patient.
Personalised Treatment
No two toes are the same! We use this as the basis of our treatment options so you receive tailored care.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Your Ingrown Toenails Questions Answered
The time it takes for ingrown toenails to heal depends on how severe the condition is and the treatment option/s taken. For instance, at-home treatments for less severe ingrown toenails may provide relief after just several days, while recovery from a nail avulsion tends to take a week or so, not including the time it takes for the nail to grow back.
There are three stages of ingrown toenails. Stages one and two are typically mild and are often addressed with conservative treatments, including at-home options. Stage three generally requires further treatment, such as nail avulsion.
At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we understand if you have concerns about pain. While nail avulsion isn’t supposed to feel painful, some people may feel discomfort or a ‘tugging’ sensation. Please speak to us about our local anesthetic option if this concerns you.
While some people are more likely to get ingrown toenails than others, there are ways to lower your risk. These include proper nail trimming, wearing comfortable shoes that aren’t too tight, and maintaining good foot hygiene.
Ingrown toenails don’t go away on their own. Without proper care, they tend to worsen, and this may lead to infections or more severe complications. As such, it’s essential to see a podiatrist, such as our team at Foot and Leg Pain Centre, as soon as possible to address your ingrown toenail.
Considering Podiatry for Ingrown Toenails Treatment?
If your toenail is causing you pain, don’t delay getting it the attention it needs! By addressing ingrown toenails sooner rather than later, you may be able to get back to your favourite sport and feel the sand in your toes faster. Our Foot and Leg Pain Centre team has the experience and knowledge needed to develop the treatment plan tailored to you— contact us today!