Ingrowing toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness and swelling, and sometimes infection. It most commonly affects the big toe and can be caused by nail shape, tight footwear, injury or the way the nail is trimmed.

If you come to us with an ingrown toenail, one of our podiatrists will first assess the nail and surrounding skin. Where possible, we will relieve the pressure and carefully remove the part of the nail causing the problem.

For some ingrown or curved nails, nail bracing can be a gentle alternative to nail surgery. A small brace is carefully applied to the nail to gradually guide it into a flatter, more natural shape as it grows. This can help reduce pressure on the surrounding skin and improve comfort.

If the area is particularly painful, we can use a local anaesthetic to numb the toe, allowing us to safely remove the troublesome section of nail with minimal discomfort.

For recurring or more severe ingrown toenails, nail surgery may be recommended. This removes the problematic edge of the nail and can help prevent it from growing back into the skin.

It’s best not to try to treat an ingrown toenail yourself, as this can make the problem worse. If you’re in pain, book an assessment with one of our podiatrists and we can recommend the most suitable treatment for you.