Painful, swollen or infected toenail? Footsmart Podiatry can help.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and tenderness, and in some cases can lead to infection or ongoing drainage.
Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe, but they can occur on any toe. They can affect children, teenagers and adults and may become a recurring problem if the underlying cause is not addressed.
At Footsmart Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists assess the cause and severity of your ingrown toenail before recommending the most appropriate treatment. Depending on your nail and your individual circumstances, treatment may range from simple nail care through to Onyfix nail correction or a partial nail avulsion (PNA).
Why choose Footsmart Podiatry for an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails are something our podiatrists treat regularly. With more than 20 years providing podiatry care on the Sunshine Coast, Footsmart Podiatry has the experience and facilities to manage everything from a straightforward ingrown toenail to recurring or more complicated cases.
Our aim is to get you comfortable as quickly as possible while addressing the reason your toenail has become ingrown.
When you see a Footsmart podiatrist, we will:
- Assess your toenail and surrounding skin
- Determine what is causing the ingrown toenail
- Check for signs of infection or inflammation
- Explain your treatment options clearly
- Recommend the least invasive treatment appropriate for your condition
- Provide advice to help reduce the chance of the problem returning
We don’t believe every ingrown toenail needs surgery. In some cases, a simple treatment is all that is required. For recurring or more severe ingrown toenails, a procedure such as a PNA may provide a more appropriate solution.
What causes ingrown toenails?
There are several reasons why an ingrown toenail can develop. Common causes include:
- Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners
- Incorrect nail-cutting technique
- Tight or poorly fitting footwear
- Repeated pressure on the toes
- Trauma or injury to the toenail
- Naturally curved, involuted or pincer-shaped nails
- Thickened or damaged nails
- Certain nail conditions
- The natural shape of the toe or toenail
Sometimes there is no single cause. Your podiatrist can assess your nail and identify factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Ingrown toenail treatment options
There isn’t one treatment that is right for every ingrown toenail. At Footsmart Podiatry, we offer several treatment options depending on the severity of the problem, the shape of your nail and whether your ingrown toenail keeps coming back.
1. Simple ingrown toenail treatment
Many ingrown toenails can be treated without surgery.
Your Footsmart podiatrist may carefully clear or remove the offending section of nail and treat the surrounding area. This can provide relief from pressure and pain without removing a large portion of the nail.
We can also provide advice about nail cutting, footwear and ongoing nail care to help prevent the problem from returning.
For a mild or first-time ingrown toenail, this may be all that is needed.
2. Onyfix nail correction
Onyfix is a non-surgical option for certain ingrown, involuted or pincer-shaped toenails.
The Onyfix system uses a specially applied composite material attached to the nail. As the nail grows, the system helps guide the nail towards a more natural shape without applying painful tension to the nail.
This can be a particularly useful option for people who would prefer to avoid nail surgery or for nails where the underlying problem is related to the shape and curvature of the nail.
At Footsmart Podiatry, our podiatrists can assess whether Onyfix is suitable for your ingrown toenail and explain what is involved before treatment begins.
Benefits of Onyfix can include:
- No local anaesthetic required
- No cutting or removal of the nail
- Designed to gradually correct the nail shape
- You can generally continue normal activities
- Suitable for many different nail shapes
- A useful option for recurring or curved nails
Onyfix works gradually as the nail grows, so treatment is different from simply removing the painful edge of the nail.
Learn more about Onyfix for ingrown toenails →
3. Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
For a more severe, painful or recurring ingrown toenail, your podiatrist may recommend a partial nail avulsion (PNA).
A PNA is a minor procedure performed in the clinic. The affected section of nail is carefully removed to take the pressure away from the surrounding skin.
The procedure is performed using local anaesthetic and sterile techniques. Your podiatrist will explain the procedure, aftercare and expected recovery before going ahead.
A PNA can be an excellent option when an ingrown toenail is repeatedly causing pain or inflammation and simpler treatments have not provided a lasting solution.
At Footsmart Podiatry, we perform PNA as part of our ingrown toenail treatment service, allowing you to have your assessment and treatment managed by an experienced podiatry team.
Which ingrown toenail treatment is right for me?
The best treatment depends on your individual toenail.
| Treatment | May be suitable for |
|---|---|
| Simple nail treatment | Mild or early ingrown toenails |
| Onyfix | Curved, involuted, pincer or recurring nails where nail correction may be appropriate |
| PNA | More painful, severe or recurring ingrown toenails |
Your podiatrist will assess your toenail and explain the options available to you. In some cases, treating the immediate problem is enough. In others, a longer-term approach may be recommended to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Don’t put up with a painful ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail can make everyday activities such as walking, wearing shoes, exercising or playing sport unnecessarily uncomfortable.
If your ingrown toenail is painful, swollen, repeatedly returning or showing signs of infection, it is worth having it assessed by a podiatrist rather than continuing to cut at the nail yourself.
Footsmart Podiatry treats ingrown toenails at our Sunshine Coast clinics, with treatment options ranging from simple nail care through to Onyfix and partial nail avulsion.
Our experienced podiatrists will explain your options and help you choose the treatment that is most appropriate for your toenail.
Ingrown toenail treatment on the Sunshine Coast
Footsmart Podiatry has been providing podiatry care to the Sunshine Coast for more than 20 years. Our experienced team provides a comprehensive range of podiatry services, including treatment for ingrown toenails.
We have clinics in:
Please note that minor nail surgery such as PNA is not available at the Maroochydore clinic, so please contact our team when booking if you think you may require nail surgery.
Frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails
Can an ingrown toenail go away on its own?
Sometimes a very mild ingrown toenail may settle, but painful or recurring ingrown toenails often need professional treatment. Continuing to cut or dig into the side of the nail can make the problem worse.
Is an ingrown toenail treatment painful?
The level of discomfort depends on the treatment required. Simple nail treatment is generally quick, while a PNA is performed under local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Onyfix is a non-surgical treatment and does not require local anaesthetic. Your podiatrist will explain what to expect before treatment.
Will my ingrown toenail come back?
Ingrown toenails can recur, particularly when the underlying cause remains. Nail shape, footwear, nail-cutting technique and repeated pressure can all contribute. Your podiatrist will provide advice specific to your feet and discuss treatment options designed to reduce recurrence.
Can I exercise after ingrown toenail treatment?
This depends on the treatment you have and the condition of your toe. Your Footsmart podiatrist will provide specific aftercare advice and let you know when it is appropriate to return to your normal activities.
Do I need surgery for an ingrown toenail?
Not necessarily. Many ingrown toenails can be treated without surgery. Footsmart offers several treatment options, including simple nail treatment, Onyfix and PNA, so your podiatrist can recommend the most appropriate option for you.
Book an appointment for your ingrown toenail
Don’t let an ingrown toenail keep you from walking, exercising or wearing your favourite shoes.
Book an appointment with Footsmart Podiatry to have your ingrown toenail assessed and discuss your treatment options.