Ingrown Toenails Thornbury
Touchy Toes? It May Be an Ingrown Toenail
Have you ever gone to slip on your favourite pair of shoes and noticed a sharp, stabbing pain in your big toe? If so, you’re likely familiar with the irritation an ingrown toenail can cause. Not only is it uncomfortable, but if it stops you from wearing the shoes you want, playing sports, running after the kids, or even going to the shops, it’s gone a step too far! Whether it’s your big toe or any other toe on your foot, it’s time to put an end to painful ingrown toenails.
What Are Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails occur when a nail curls down, causing it to grow into the skin of the toe. This usually occurs on the big toe, but it may affect any toenail. It may start out as a slight pain or a little bit of redness and get worse over time.
You may have tried addressing your ingrown toenail on your own but found it has yet to improve. If so, it’s important to see a podiatrist with experience in ingrown nail care. This is crucial for anybody, but especially people with a higher risk of complications, such as people with diabetes. Podiatry care includes several forms of treatment aimed towards relieving the discomfort and assisting in avoiding possible complications.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
Symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Skin problems such as hardened skin
- The toe feeling warm or hot to the touch
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail may become infected. Symptoms of an infected ingrown nail include:
- Pus
- Bleeding
- Skin overgrowth surrounding the toe
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails may be caused by:
- Wearing tight shoes
- Cutting your toenails too short
- Injury to the toe, such as stubbing your toe
- Having sweaty feet
- Having naturally curved toenails
- Fungal nail infections
If you’re dealing with ingrown toenails, book an appointment with one of our helpful podiatrists.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
If you have an ingrown toenail, treatment options are available. These range from at-home methods to a minor surgical procedure. At Talaria Podiatrist, we assess your toenail and begin with the most conservative methods before considering nail surgery or any other small surgical procedure.
Nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Soaking the foot in warm water several times a day
- Keeping the foot dry at all other times
- Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box
Podiatry care is recommended if your nail doesn’t improve after several days. Depending on the severity of your ingrown toenail, treatment options at a podiatrist may include:
- Lifting the nail, for example, with a splint
- Taping the nail
- Partial nail avulsion
- Removing built-up corns or calluses in the nail edge
- Removing the offending nail spike
- In chronic cases, a minor surgical procedure to remove the offending nail
In cases where nail surgery is required, we use local anaesthesia to help you feel as comfortable as possible. While nail surgery, whether a partial nail avulsion or any other type of surgery, is a last resort, we do all we can to maintain the nail’s cosmetic appearance.
Your Ingrown Toenail Questions Answered
Are some people more likely to get an ingrown toenail?
Some people may be at higher risk of developing an ingrown nail, such as older people, people with diabetes, people with circulation issues, and people who participate in activities including running and kicking, which puts the toes at a higher risk of injury.
Can you prevent ingrown toenails?
Preventative care is key when it comes to ingrown toenails. You may be able to reduce your risk of ingrown toenails by cutting your nail straight across, wearing shoes that fit well, keeping your toenails at a moderate length (even with the tips of your toes), wearing protective footwear when running or kicking, and regularly checking your feet, particularly if you have diabetes.
What happens after nail surgery?
If your ingrown toenail keeps coming back, nail surgery may be a good option for you. In these cases, you will receive a local anaesthetic and generally go home the same day. You’ll be given specific aftercare instructions, which typically include keeping the foot raised for the next several days, wearing specific footwear, and avoiding movement as much as possible. If you have a partial nail avulsion, your toenail will typically begin to grow back within a few months, whereas if the entire nail is removed, it may take over a year to grow back fully.
Why Talaria
Dedicated Podiatrists
We understand how foot and ankle conditions such as ingrown toenails may affect you, and our mission is to get you back on your feet.
Wide Range of Treatment Options
Every foot is unique, so we personalise your treatment options to you as the individual you are.
Family Friendly
Our family-owned and run clinic offers care for everybody in your family, young and old.
Visit the Podiatrists Who Care
If your painful toenail impacts your life in any way, it’s time to do something about it. At Talaria Podiatrist, we’re passionate about helping you get back on your feet by addressing your nails in the most appropriate way for you. To find out how we may be able to assist, contact our friendly and experienced team today.