An ingrown toenail can start as a small irritation but quickly become painful enough to affect walking, exercise and even wearing your normal shoes.
If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you may have tried cutting down the side of the nail yourself, hoping to get rid of the painful edge. Unfortunately, this can sometimes make the problem worse.
The good news is that most ingrown toenails can be treated effectively, and there are several treatment options available depending on the cause and severity of the problem.
At Footsmart Podiatry, our Sunshine Coast podiatrists regularly treat ingrown toenails and can help you find the most appropriate solution.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin.
It most commonly affects the big toe and can cause:
- Pain or tenderness around the nail
- Redness and swelling
- Difficulty wearing shoes
- Pain when walking or exercising
- Bleeding or discharge
- Infection in more severe cases
Some people experience an ingrown toenail once and never have another problem. For others, it can become a recurring issue that keeps returning despite cutting the nail or trying to treat it at home.
Why do ingrown toenails happen?
There isn’t always one obvious cause.
Ingrown toenails can develop because of the way the nail naturally grows, but several other factors can contribute.
Cutting your toenails incorrectly
Cutting the corners of your toenails too deeply or cutting them very short can encourage the edge of the nail to grow into the surrounding skin.
As a general rule, toenails should not be cut aggressively down the sides.
Tight footwear
Shoes that place pressure on the toes can push the skin against the edge of the nail. This is particularly relevant if you’re regularly playing sport, exercising or spending long periods in enclosed footwear.
Trauma to the nail
Stubbing your toe, dropping something on it or repeatedly putting pressure on the nail can change the way it grows.
Naturally curved nails
Some people naturally have more curved, involuted or pincer-shaped toenails. These nails can be more prone to putting pressure on the surrounding skin.
Previous ingrown toenails
If you’ve had an ingrown toenail before, there’s a greater chance that the problem may return, particularly if the underlying nail shape or other contributing factors haven’t been addressed.
Should you cut out an ingrown toenail yourself?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
It can be tempting to grab the nail clippers and cut down the side of the nail to remove the painful section. However, digging into the corner or repeatedly cutting the nail back can irritate the surrounding skin and potentially make the problem worse.
You may temporarily remove the part of the nail causing discomfort, but the nail can continue to grow back into the same area.
If your ingrown toenail is painful or keeps returning, it’s better to have it assessed by a podiatrist.
When should you see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
You don’t necessarily need to wait until an ingrown toenail becomes extremely painful before seeking help.
Consider seeing a podiatrist if:
- The toe is becoming increasingly painful
- There is significant redness or swelling
- You notice discharge or signs of infection
- The nail keeps becoming ingrown
- You have tried treating it yourself without success
- You are unable to wear normal shoes comfortably
- Your ingrown toenail is interfering with walking, work or sport
Early treatment can often mean a simpler treatment is possible.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
The right treatment depends on the individual nail.
At Footsmart Podiatry, we don’t believe that every ingrown toenail needs surgery. Our podiatrists assess the nail, surrounding skin and underlying cause before recommending the most appropriate option.
Simple nail treatment
For a mild or early ingrown toenail, your podiatrist may be able to carefully clear the offending section of nail and relieve the pressure on the surrounding skin.
This is a relatively simple approach and may be all that is needed.
Your podiatrist can also provide advice about nail cutting, footwear and other factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Onyfix
For some people, Onyfix provides a non-surgical option.
Onyfix uses a composite material applied to the toenail to help influence the shape of the nail as it grows. It can be particularly useful for certain curved, involuted or pincer-shaped nails.
Unlike nail surgery, Onyfix doesn’t involve cutting away part of the nail and does not require local anaesthetic.
Your Footsmart podiatrist can assess whether Onyfix is appropriate for your particular nail.
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
For more severe or recurring ingrown toenails, a partial nail avulsion (PNA) may be recommended.
A PNA is a minor nail procedure performed in the clinic under local anaesthetic. The section of nail that is causing the problem is carefully removed, relieving the pressure on the surrounding skin.
For people who repeatedly suffer from painful ingrown toenails, PNA can provide a more definitive treatment option than repeatedly cutting or clearing the nail.
Your podiatrist will explain the procedure and aftercare requirements before treatment.
Which treatment is right for an ingrown toenail?
There’s no single treatment that is best for every person.
A first-time, mild ingrown toenail may only require simple treatment and some changes to nail care.
A recurring curved nail may be better suited to Onyfix, while a painful or persistent ingrown toenail may require a partial nail avulsion.
This is why having the nail assessed by an experienced podiatrist is important.
At Footsmart Podiatry, our team can talk you through the different options and recommend the treatment that best suits your individual circumstances.
How can you prevent ingrown toenails?
While not every ingrown toenail can be prevented, there are some simple steps that can reduce your risk.
Cut your toenails correctly
Avoid cutting aggressively down the sides of your toenails or cutting them extremely short.
Choose shoes with enough room
Your toes should have enough space inside your shoes without being squeezed together.
Don’t pick at the corners
If you feel a sharp edge developing, resist the temptation to dig underneath the nail with clippers or other objects.
Address recurring problems
If the same toenail keeps becoming ingrown, there may be an underlying issue with the shape or growth of the nail.
Rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms, speak with a podiatrist about options to address the recurring problem.
Ingrown toenail treatment on the Sunshine Coast
If you’re looking for Sunshine Coast podiatry for an ingrown toenail, the team at Footsmart Podiatry can help.
With more than 20 years of podiatry experience on the Sunshine Coast, Footsmart provides assessment and treatment for ingrown toenails, from simple nail care through to Onyfix and partial nail avulsion.
Our goal is simple: get you comfortable and help you find the most appropriate solution for your feet.
Don’t keep putting up with a painful toenail or repeatedly trying to cut it out yourself.
Need help with an ingrown toenail?
Book an appointment with Footsmart Podiatry and have your toenail assessed by an experienced podiatrist.
Or call 07 5441 4822 to speak with our team.