Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons people book in to see us at Branxton Podiatry. They usually affect the big toe and can go from a small annoyance to a painful, infected toe in a few days.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin beside it. Common causes include:
Cutting nails too short or rounding off the corners
Tight or narrow shoes, including steel caps and work boots worn for long shifts
A naturally curved or wide nail shape, which often runs in families
Stubbing or dropping something on the toe
Picking or tearing at the nail edge
What you can do at home
If the toe is only mildly sore and there is no sign of infection, these steps can help:
Soak the foot in warm salty water for 10 minutes, once or twice a day
Keep the area clean and dry, and cover it with a light dressing
Wear open or roomy shoes while it settles
Avoid cutting down into the corner of the nail, as this often makes it worse
When to book an appointment
See a podiatrist if the pain is getting worse, the toe is red and swollen, or there is pus or bleeding. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet, book in early rather than waiting. Small problems can become serious quickly when healing is slower.
How we treat ingrown toenails
For a first or mild ingrown nail, we can often remove the small spike of nail causing the problem in a standard appointment. This usually gives quick relief.
If the nail keeps coming back, we may recommend a partial nail avulsion. This is a minor procedure done in our Branxton clinic under local anaesthetic. We remove a narrow strip from the side of the nail and treat the nail root so that strip is unlikely to grow back. Most people walk out in normal shoes or sandals and return to most activities within a few days. We will give you dressing instructions and see you for follow-up visits while it heals.
Regrowth is uncommon after a partial nail avulsion, but it can happen. We will talk through the risks and what to expect before you decide.
Cost
A partial nail avulsion is $350 for one side of the nail and up to $500 if more sides are involved. Private health fund rebates can be claimed on the spot with HICAPS.
Book an appointment or call 0402 919 112.