What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail curls down and grows into the skin around the nail. Any toe can be affected but it commonly occurs in the big toe.

An ingrown toenail can become painful and inflamed (tender, red and swollen). Sometimes, it can become infected, which, if left untreated, can spread and infect the underlying bone.

Our Podiatrists can perform a nail surgery, sometimes referred to as a PNA, Partial Nail Avulsion.

What is a PNA?

Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is the name of a procedure whereby a section of the nail is permanently removed. This ingrown nail treatment option is particularly for those who suffer with recurring painful or infected ingrown toenails.

During your initial appointment the podiatrist will assess your toe to see if a PNA is required. During the appointment the podiatrist will complete the following;

Assess the ingrown nail to ascertain whether a PNA is appropriate
Discuss the appropriate treatment, when the procedure would best be performed and what to expect during and after the procedure;
Discuss the costs involved if a PNA were to go ahead.
If a PNA is required, our reception team will book you in for a longer consult for the procedure.

What should I expect?

Before the treatment your Podiatrist will numb your toe with a local anaesthetic. Don’t worry! You are in safe hands as Podiatrists have specific training for this procedure and are experts at numbing the toe – quickly and efficiently.

A sterile field is set up to perform the procedure which minimises the risk of infection. The problematic toenail edge/s will be removed and a special chemical applied to the nail bed (which effectively kills the cells that produce nail). A sterile dressing is applied to the site and you Podiatrist will talk to you about how to care for the wound.

Once the local anaesthetic wears off a few hours later, some mild pain can be expected however this is almost always resolved with only paracetamol and elevating the foot. Your podiatrist will review with you soon after and keep a close eye on your healing and ensuring no infection onsets. The cleaner you keep your toe the less complications you have and the faster you will be back playing sport or doing the things you love pain free.