What causes an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a problem that develops when the toenails begin to grow into the skin surrounding them. The toe can become very painful with swelling, redness, and pus, often very sore to touch and making it hard to wear shoes. Ingrown toenails often occur from incorrect cutting technique, inadequate footwear, genetically curved nails, or direct trauma.
An ingrown toenail begins with a sharp edge. As the nail grows, this hard edge can dig into the nearby soft skin causing pain and potential infections. This can occur on all nails but mostly develops on the big toes.
Quite often, toenail cutting technique can be the cause. Did you know that most people trim their fingernails in a short, rounded shape? When you do the same with your toenails, it can lead to ingrown nails when the short and rounded nail digs into the skin.
In toenail trimming, cutting straight across and filing the sides of the nail smooth is a preferred option. Clean and sharp clippers are best used at home.
We have also seen plenty of patients who pick at their nails causing rough edges and nail spikes. We’ve also had one patient many years ago who used to let his dog chew on his toenails! Our professional advice is don’t do this!
You may have also inherited curved nails which dig into the skin, so trimming this type of nail requires extra care so the edges do not pierce the skin.
Finally, wearing tight shoes, shoes that are too small or shoes with pointy toes can also put you at risk of ingrown nails. Footwear can make a huge impact on the development of an ingrown nail.
How do we treat an ingrown toenail?
Our first goal is to treat the ingrown nail with conservative management. We may be able to treat this within a normal consultation. We will look at the cause of the problem to work out the best option. We may be able to remove a or file down simple nail spike and pack the nail with Toefoam to allow it to grow back without piercing the skin. This can provide instant relief. We will also suggest some nail care strategies to avoid a return of an ingrown nail.
After assessment, you may require a simple nail surgery. This is recommended for more serious or chronic ingrown nails, especially where there is pain and infection. Ingrown nails do not normally heal without treatment. A nail surgery is a more permanent solution to the problem nail.
This simple surgery is done with local anaesthetic to numb the nail in our surgical room. Typically, we will remove the small part of the nail that is digging in. We will apply a chemical to the base of this area that will prevent that part of the nail from regrowing. Following the surgery, we will see you for a brief review for a few more visits for dressing changes and to ensure the toe is healing well.
The surgery fee includes the review appointments and surgical care dressing packs to take home.
Local Melbourne suburbs we service
With a priority on keeping people healthy, Melbourne Foot Clinic provides a wide range of professional services for people across Melbourne’s East. Our patients travel from all over Victoria to see us at our foot clinic in Mont Albert, with most coming from the following locations:
Mont Albert Podiatrist
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Box Hill
We use cutting edge technology and offer excellent services to many residents of Box Hill.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Surrey Hills
Our podiatrists are experts in providing biomechanics, orthotics, and foot pain for patients from Surrey Hills.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Camberwell
Our podiatrists are specialists in treating clients’ problems across Camberwell and Melbourne’s East.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Balwyn
Reputable podiatrists servicing the residents of Balwyn with outstanding results for years.
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