Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Melton & Bacchus Marsh
Find Lasting Relief from Painful Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be frustrating and painful, especially when they keep coming back. Our experienced podiatrists provide expert conservative care and permanent surgical solutions to relieve your pain and stop the problem from returning.
Call our friendly reception today to book your appointment.
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Why early care matters
Ingrown Toenails Don’t Get Better on Their Own
An ingrown toenail usually develops when a sharp corner of the nail pierces the skin at the side of the nail. This causes irritation and often infection. Excessive rubbing of the nail against the skin at the side of the nail can also cause this irritation and infection.
Ingrown toenails often begin as a minor irritation of the skin around the nail. If left untreated, the problem often gets worse and can develop into an infected toe and a serious, recurring ingrown nail.
Early treatment can relieve pain and stop the condition from getting worse. Depending on the severity of your ingrown toenail, your podiatrist may recommend conservative treatment or a permanent surgical solution. Our team will assess your toe and create a treatment plan that suits your needs.
Causes & symptoms
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails are a common problem and can affect people of all ages. Identifying the cause can help reduce the risk of future problems.
Common Causes
Ingrown toenails usually result from:
Incorrect nail cutting technique- Trauma to the nail
- Genetic factors affecting the shape and width of the nail
- Hormonal changes, including puberty
- Tight-fitting footwear
Common Symptoms
An ingrown toenail often starts as mild irritation but can become increasingly painful over time. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness along the edge of the nail
- Redness and swelling around the toe
- Warmth or inflammation
- Pus or drainage if infection develops
- Pain when walking or wearing shoes
- Recurring infections or ingrown nails
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Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Regular treatment by a podiatrist will prevent ingrown toenails and maintain an appropriate nail shape to avoid irritation and pressure on the sides of the nails.
Treatment options
Can an Ingrown Toenail Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes, in the early stages. Conservative treatment is the routine first approach for an ingrown toenail. However, as the ingrown nail becomes more severe, it becomes less likely to fully recover with conservative treatment alone.
Early stages
Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatment involves carefully cutting the nail and removing a small, triangular wedge from the edge of the nail on the irritated side. This relieves the pressure on the skin and allows it to settle. Our experienced podiatrists are experts in the conservative management of ingrown toenails.
As it progresses
When Surgery Is Needed
As an ingrown toenail deteriorates over time, surgery becomes the only treatment option. Your podiatrist will explain your options and recommend the procedure that’s right for you.
Nail surgery
Which Ingrown Toenail Procedure Is Right for You?
When an ingrown toenail needs surgical correction, we use one of two procedures. We will examine your toe and recommend the procedure that offers the best long-term outcome.
PNA
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
A PNA permanently removes a narrow wedge of nail from the ingrown side of the toenail. It can be performed on both sides of the nail if required. The aim is to permanently reduce the width of the nail and remove the ingrown portion, while keeping the natural appearance of the nail and toe.
TNA
Total Nail Avulsion (TNA)
A TNA permanently removes the entire toenail. It is commonly used for nails that are excessively thick (onychogryphosis or onychauxis) or nails that are extremely misshapen and unsightly.
| Feature | Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) | Total Nail Avulsion (TNA) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Removal | Removes a narrow wedge on the ingrown side (one or both sides) | Removes the entire nail |
| Nail Preservation | Preserves most of the natural nail | Removes the nail completely |
| Primary Indication | Recurring or severe ingrown toenails | Excessively thick or extremely misshapen nails |
| Expected Outcome | Permanently narrower nail with a natural appearance | Permanent removal of the troublesome nail |
| Healing Time | Almost fully healed within 2–3 weeks | Almost fully healed within 4–6 weeks |
| Return to Sport | Usually within 2 weeks | Usually within 3–4 weeks |
The procedure
What to Expect During Ingrown Toenail Surgery
We perform ingrown toenail surgery in our clinic under local anaesthetic, and you can go home the same day.
- Step 1
Local Anaesthetic
Before the procedure, your toe is anaesthetised with a local anaesthetic called Xylocaine. It is injected into the base of the toe on both sides. The injections are uncomfortable, but our skilled podiatrists complete them in about five seconds. After the injections, the procedure is completely pain-free.
- Step 2
Preparing the Toe
A tourniquet is placed around the base of the toe to temporarily stop circulation. This gives your podiatrist clear visibility of the surgical area, so there is minimal bleeding during the procedure.
- Step 3
Removing the Nail
The nail plate is gently separated from the nail bed (the skin underneath the nail).
- For a PNA: Your podiatrist makes an accurate, straight cut down the nail plate and removes the ingrown wedge. Cutting the nail straight gives you the best long-term cosmetic result.
- For a TNA: The entire nail is removed.
- Step 4
Treating the Nail Matrix
The nail matrix (the growth cells of the nail) is thoroughly chemically cauterised. This ensures the removed nail does not grow back. Our nail surgeries are fully guaranteed: the removed nail will not regrow after the procedure.
- Step 5
Treating Overgrown Tissue
If hypergranulation tissue (tissue overgrowing the nail) is present, it is removed and cauterised. This speeds up healing and, most importantly, gives you the best long-term cosmetic result.
- Step 6
Dressing Your Toe
Your toe is covered with a sterile dressing. It must be kept dry and stay in place until your first dressing change with your podiatrist.
Aftercare
Recovery After Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Most patients experience only minor discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Healing time varies depending on several factors.
We review your toe and change your dressing twice in the first week after surgery. Further reviews may be arranged at your podiatrist’s discretion to make sure your toe heals without complications.
Heals in 2–3 weeks
Recovery After a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
- Your toe will be almost fully healed within 2–3 weeks.
- Loose-fitting footwear is best for the first week.
- Normal footwear can usually be worn after one to two weeks.
- Running and competitive sports can usually resume within two weeks.
- Swimming may take slightly longer, depending on how your wound heals, as it carries a higher risk of infection.
The long-term goal of a PNA is to permanently remove the troublesome nail edge or edges while keeping the natural appearance of your toe.
Heals in 4–6 weeks
Recovery After a Total Nail Avulsion (TNA)
- Your toe will be almost fully healed within 4–6 weeks. Recovery from a TNA takes slightly longer than from a PNA.
- Loose-fitting footwear is best for the first week.
- Normal footwear can usually be worn after one to two weeks.
- Running and competitive sports can usually resume within 3–4 weeks.
- Swimming may take slightly longer, depending on how your wound heals, as it carries a higher risk of infection.
The long-term goal of a TNA is to permanently remove the troublesome nail.
Why choose us
Why Choose Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic for Ingrown Toenail Treatment?
Choosing the right treatment early can prevent ongoing pain and repeated infections. Our experienced podiatrists take the time to assess your condition and recommend the most effective solution for your needs.
Ingrown Toenail Experts
Our team are experts in managing ingrown toenails, from early-stage conservative care to complex, recurring cases that need surgery.
Conservative and Surgical Care
We provide both conservative treatment and permanent nail surgery, so you receive the right care at every stage.
Skilled, Comfortable Procedures
Our podiatrists complete the local anaesthetic quickly, and the procedure itself is pain-free. We perform accurate, straight nail cuts for the best long-term cosmetic result.
Personalised Treatment Plans
No two ingrown toenails are the same. We tailor your treatment to your symptoms, nail condition and lifestyle.
Ongoing Aftercare
We review your toe and change your dressing twice in the first week, and we support your healing every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Relief from an Ingrown Toenail?
Don’t let an ingrown toenail keep causing pain or infection. Our experienced podiatrists provide expert treatment to relieve your discomfort and prevent the problem from returning.