INGROWING TOENAILS
&
NAIL SURGERY
What is an ingrowing toenail?
Many people believe they have an ingrowing toenail when they experience pain around the edge of a nail. However, a true ingrowing toenail occurs when the edge of the nail actually pierces and grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, infection and, in some cases, discharge from the affected area.
Not all painful toenails are ingrowing toenails. There are a number of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms and discomfort.
Other Causes of Toenail Pain
Pain around a toenail may be caused by:
• Very curved nails that press against or irritate the surrounding skin
• Thickened nails creating increased pressure on the nail bed
• A corn developing down the side of the nail
• Hard skin (callus) building up alongside the nail
• A deformed or damaged nail
• Previous trauma or injury to the toe or nail
• Poorly fitting footwear, particularly shoes with a narrow or tight toe box that place excessive pressure on the toes
How can we help?
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from a toenail, we recommend booking an appointment with one of our podiatrists for a full assessment. This allows us to identify the underlying cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
In some cases, no treatment is required. Simple changes, such as wearing more suitable footwear or adjusting the way you cut your toenails, may be enough to resolve the issue and prevent it from returning.
If your discomfort is caused by a problem such as hard skin alongside the nail, a thickened nail, or nail debris, this can often be treated during your appointment. We will also provide aftercare advice to help reduce the risk of future problems.
If you have a true ingrowing toenail, where the nail has penetrated the skin, or a thickened or deformed nail that is causing ongoing pain and discomfort, nail surgery may be recommended. Our podiatrists will discuss all available treatment options with you and carry out a thorough assessment before proceeding. The procedure is generally considered only when more conservative treatments have been unsuccessful or are unlikely to provide lasting relief.
Should nail surgery be appropriate for you, we will explain the procedure in full, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
When Should You Seek Advice?
If you are experiencing pain, redness, swelling or discomfort around a toenail, it is advisable to have the problem assessed by a podiatrist. A thorough assessment can help identify the underlying cause and ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and advice.
The good news is that not all painful toenails require surgery. In many cases, conservative treatment, simple foot care measures, or footwear advice can successfully resolve the problem.