Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail curls down and grows into the skin. It mostly affects the big toe.

Ingrown toenails are a common problem among both adults and children. Pain can vary depending on the severity but it must be treated. Early intervention is best, as without treatment it may lead to infection and a bigger problem.

What Caused My Ingrown Toenail?

There are a number of factors but ingrown toenails usually develop from one or a combination on the following:

  • Tight-fitting shoes, socks or pantyhose that crowd your toes, placing pressure on your toenails
  • Incorrect toenail cutting technique (Example: cutting them too short)
  • Pick or tear the corners of your toenails
  • Trauma-causing injury to your toe such as stubbing it

Symptoms Of Ingrown Toenails

  • Pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail
  • Redness/swelling around your toenail
  • Infection around the toenail

Complications of An Ingrown Toenail

If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, an infection may develop and can spread to the underlying bone and lead to a serious bone infection.

If you are a diabetic, the severity of the infection has a much quicker turnaround than those who are not diabetic. This is due to poor blood flow and damaged nerves in the feet.

Your Treatment

Good news is that this process is not as painful as you think. Your treatment includes the following:

  • Removal of the toenail edge with or without the use of local anaesthetic
  • Dressing the toe

Post treatment, you will be provided with daily self-care instructions or a follow-up appointment if required.

Contact Us Today

We understand how painful and annoying this condition can be. We want you back to walking with confidence as quickly as possible.

Book an online appointment to secure your spot. Simply click here or call our friendly team on (02) 8966 9552.

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