Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Ingrown Toenail
If you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail, it may be time to visit Priority Podiatry Clinic for relief and to keep your nails healthy and pain-free.
Onychocryptosis, better known as an ingrown toenail, a common condition affecting people of all ages. It occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, or into the nail bed itself, often allowing bacteria to enter and potentially causing an infection.
The discomfort can start as mild but can quickly escalate to severe pain, especially if the nail becomes infected. In extreme cases, even basic activities like walking can become difficult, making it painful to wear enclosed shoes or engage in sports. The corners or edges of the nail digging into the skin can cause tenderness, soreness, and sometimes redness and bleeding
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Causes of Ingrown Toenail
There are several potential causes for ingrown toenails, including poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and trauma to the toenail from sports activities like soccer, running, football, and netball. Sports that involve kicking can damage the toenail, aggravate the condition, and alter the nail’s growth. Improper nail care, such as trimming, cutting, or picking nails incorrectly, can cause the nail’s corners to dig into the skin. Additionally, abnormal nail shapes (such as curved nails) or external pressure from ill-fitting shoes, like high heels, can lead to improper nail growth and increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Seeking professional help is essential if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail or are experiencing any foot-related pain. Improper treatment can lead to further damage, infections, and increased pain.
How We Can Help With Ingrown Toenail
Our podiatrist will start by evaluating your toenails to identify the most suitable treatment. For minor cases, conservative nail trimming may be all that’s needed. However, in most instances, a minor surgical procedure offers the most effective and long-lasting relief.
This procedure, known as Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA), involves administering a local anesthetic for a painless experience. Your podiatrist will carefully remove a section of the nail plate, followed by a chemical treatment called phenolization to help prevent the nail from growing back improperly. The podiatrist will then dress the nail, and the anesthetic ensures you stay comfortable as you begin recovery. Healing typically takes about 3 to 6 weeks, with a few dressing changes and a final follow-up to ensure proper healing.
To prevent recurrence, the podiatrist will determine any underlying causes of the ingrown toenail and may suggest changes, such as different footwear, enhanced foot hygiene, or proper nail trimming techniques. They will also provide a customised treatment and recovery plan to fit your lifestyle.
In more severe cases, where the nail is badly deformed and causing pain on both sides, a Total Nail Avulsion (TNA) may be recommended to remove the entire nail for optimal results.
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Hope Island
Phone: 07 5510 9222
Located within Hope Island Marketplace Medical & Skin Clinic, 99-103 Broadwater Ave Hope Island QLD 4212
Jimboomba
Phone: 07 5546 9766
Located Within Jimboomba Medical Centre, Unit 1/69 Cerina Cct, Jimboomba QLD 4280
Beenleigh
Phone: 07 3287 2224
Located Within Beenleigh Mall Medical Centre, Shop24A, 40/68 Main Street, Beenleigh QLD 4207
Eagleby
Phone: 07 2889 1666
Located Within Eagleby Family Practice, 5/120 River Hills Rd, Eagleby QLD 4207
Harristown
Phone: 07 4635 6111
Located Within Toowoomba Medical Centre, 146 Drayton Road, Harristown QLD 4350
Marsden
Phone: 07 3067 2370
Located Within Marsden Family Doctors, Shop 28/55-77 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden QLD 4132
Keperra
Phone: 07 3355 4082
Located Within Keperra Medical Clinic, 14 Dallas Parade Keperra QLD 4054
Coomera
Phone: 07 5573 5663
Located Within Doctors @ Coomera Central, Shop 6, 21 Coomera Grand Drive, Upper Coomera, QLD 4209
Newtown
Phone: 07 4633 8700
Located Within Ochre Medical Centre Wyalla, Shop 20, 238 Taylor Street, Newtown QLD 4350
Ingrown Toenail FAQ's
How should I cut my toenails correctly?
Make sure to trim your toenails straight across, following the natural curve of the nail. Avoid cutting down the sides, as doing so with improper technique can create sharp edges that may irritate or even pierce the skin over time.
Does footwear matter with an ingrown toenail?
Absolutely. Wearing shoes that match the shape of your foot is crucial. Shoes that are too short or narrow in the toe area can crowd your toes and worsen ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist can offer guidance on choosing the right footwear to help prevent these issues.
Who should I see to fix my ingrown toenail?
At Priority Podiatry Clinic, our podiatrists are registered and regulated by the Podiatry Board of Australia, adhering to strict sterilisation standards and professional guidelines. Your podiatrist is a qualified expert, trained to treat ingrown toenails and a variety of other foot-related conditions.
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