Ingrown Toenail(s)
Ingrown toe nails are a common condition that mainly affects the big toes (can occur in smaller toes however less common) of the feet in which the corners or sides of the toe nail grows into the soft flesh/ skin.
Due to the irritation caused by the nail on the soft flesh; swelling, pain and discharge (pus) will occur until the condition is resolved.
Ingrown toe nails can occur either due to incorrect cutting of the nails, having the nails cut down the sides too short or genetics/ hereditary. Hereditary factors may be noted due to the appearance of the nail involuting/ bending into the corners.
ill fitting shoes can also be a factor to consider causing ‘‘pressing’’ of the soft flesh on the nail increasing contact due to the toe box of the shoes being too tight.
Treatment can vary between conservative management - where the nail is cut, tidied and corrected to permanent treatment - also known as a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) conducted under local anaesthetic. The corner of the nail(s) causing irritation is removed from the ‘‘roots’’ and cauterised to ensure no further growth and no more issues.
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Cutting your toenails by following the natural curvature of your nail and nail bed is ideal, ensuring you don’t go down the corners of the nails with incorrect technique
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It is always recommended to properly trim/ cut your toenails as this makes sure no jagged/ sharp edges are left behind that may irritate or pierce the surrounding skin.
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Chronic ingrown toe nail’s will require proper assessment with our qualified podiatrist. Generally, when the issue is either reoccurring or long-standing/ chronic, a minor surgical podiatric technique known as PNA (partial nail avulsion) is required for immediate resolution of the issue.
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Our qualified podiatrist will carefully inject local anaesthetic into the affected toe using up-to-date techniques to limit as much pain and discomfort. Our podiatrist will then use a specific and sterilized instruments to detach the side of the nail that is causing the issue and remove it from the root of the nail, which lies under the cuticle of the toe. This is then followed up with the use of a cauterizing agent known as Phenol which permanently prevents that side of the toe nail from growing back and causing reoccurring issues. Careful instructions are provided for self-care followed with multiple reviews until the podiatrist is satisfied of the result.
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Generally 5-6 weeks for complete healing is noted. You’re able to wear loose fitting closed-in shoes after 3 days post-op. Please keep in mind, tight footwear can cause minor pressure on the sore area, delaying the healing process, so if you have to rush back to work and are required to wear closed-in shoes, you may find the toe(s) a little more red and swollen due to the inflammation response.
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Not necessarily. This is depending on how severe the ingrown toe nail has caused swelling and pain. Antibiotics are a great idea but not necessary. Our podiatrist uses top medical bandages to ensure that infection is limited and as part of your management plan, these bandages will also be provided to you with instructions of how and when to apply.