Get specialised ingrown toenail relief at Dan Everson Podiatry

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot health issues we see at Dan Everson Podiatry. Our podiatrists are very experienced when it comes to diagnoses and treatment of ingrown toenails.

Primarily affecting the big toes, an ingrown toenail is when the side of the nail pierces into the skin. This often results in pain, inflammation and in many cases infection. It's a condition that can cause a great deal of concern, primarily due to the pain it can cause and its disruption to daily activities.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Quite often, an ingrown toenail can be due to simple factors such as improper nail care (mainly trimming them too short or rounding the edges), or wearing shoes that are too tight, placing excessive pressure on the toes.

Sometimes, more systemic issues like obesity, poor posture, or even genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.

Health conditions can also play a role. For instance, people with diabetes or other conditions that affect circulation are more prone to developing foot problems, including ingrown toenails. It's therefore important to be mindful of these contributing factors in managing and preventing this condition.

What does an ingrown toenail look like?

The easiest way to spot an ingrown toenail is a noticeable lump on the side of the big toe near the nail. The lump may appear red, swollen, or tender to the touch due to irritation caused by pressure from improper nail growth. In some cases, there might be pus or drainage present around the affected area if an infection has developed. It's important to note that while this visual symptom is often associated with an ingrown toenail, its presence alone may not confirm its diagnosis. If you're not sure, it's best to make an appointment with a podiatrist that specialises in ingrown toenail treatment.

Management of ingrown nails

Ingrown toenails can be managed treated through various measures depending on their cause, duration and severity. An assessment with your local podiatrist is the first step in this process.

If treated early, ingrown toenails can be easily managed and may even go away on their own. Improper nail cutting techniques, tight footwear, injuries and certain medical conditions are all causal factors that can be managed conservatively.

About conservative treatment of ingrown nails

Conservative Treatment may involve removing the edge of nail which has penetrated the skin. Your podiatrist will provide you with further instructions on how to manage your nail however, It is important to keep the toe clean after the nail is cleared to prevent or eliminate any infection.

This is done by performing daily salt water soaks and applying antiseptic ointment (e.g. Betadine) with a light dressing until it resolves. If there is infection which does not clear after the nail is cleared, antibiotics maybe required from your general practitioner.

Managing reoccurring ingrown toenails, nail surgery

For reoccurring or chronic ingrown toenails, where the above causes cannot be avoided, surgery can be performed on the area. This procedure is a highly effective treatment which involves permanently removing the side of the problematic nail. You podiatrist will be happy to discuss the procedure, its risk, and contraindications and how to care for your nail following surgery at your consultation. Some surgery contraindications include pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with poor peripheral circulation.

For details on nail surgery, including the procedure and FAQs check out this blog post.