What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are painful conditions that affect the sides of the toenail. Generally ingrown toe nails affect the great toe but they can also occur in the lesser toes.

They can look infected and generally do not respond to antibiotics

Our podiatrist can provide relief of painful ingrown toenails either with general treatment or a simple partial or full toe nail removal which can be done within the clinic with a local anaesthetic.

Causes of an ingrown nail

There are two main causes of ingrown toe nails; nail shape and improper cutting technique, or overly sweaty feet (which can be common in teenagers).

Complications of ingrown toe nails

Without proper treatment, ingrown toe nails can cause infection, cellulitis, pain or a permanent toe nail deformity.

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Partial Nail Avulsion/Toenail Surgery

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Partial nail avulsion is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing a portion the nail. It is typically performed to treat ingrown toenails or other nail conditions that cause pain or discomfort. During the procedure, a local an is used to numb the area, and the affected portion of the nail is carefully removed. After the procedure, patients may experience some mild discomfort or swelling, but this typically resolves within a few days. Your healthcare provider can provide more information about the procedure and what to expect.