Gentle, Effective Care for Painful Ingrown Toenails
At Jakupi Podiatry, your trusted podiatrist in Doncaster, we provide expert ingrown toenail treatment to relieve pain, clear infection, and restore comfort to your feet.
An ingrown toenail (also called an ingrowing toenail) occurs when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection, especially if left untreated.
How Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Work?
Ingrown toenail surgery, also known as partial nail avulsion (PNA) or toenail removal surgery, is a minor procedure performed to permanently remove a portion of the toenail that is ingrown.
This surgical intervention is typically recommended for individuals who experience recurrent ingrown toenails or severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments.
During the procedure, your podiatrist will administer local anaesthesia to numb the affected toe and minimise discomfort. They will then carefully trim and remove the ingrown portion of the toenail, ensuring that the nail bed is properly cleaned and treated to prevent regrowth.
Common causes of ingrown toenails:
An ingrown toenail develops when part of the nail plate or nail edge digs into the nail fold or surrounding skin.
As the toenail grows, the ingrown part causes irritation, redness, and sometimes infection. This condition commonly affects the big toe, though any toenail can become ingrown.
- Improper trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges instead of straight across.
- Tight-fitting shoes: Wearing tight shoes or high heels that crowd the toes.
- Trauma: Injury to the toe or nail bed, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy.
- Genetics: Some people have naturally curved toenails that make them more prone to ingrown nails.
- Poor circulation: Conditions that reduce blood flow to the feet can slow healing and increase infection risk.
Benefits of Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Permanent solution: Ingrown toenail surgery provides a long-lasting solution to recurrent ingrown toenails, eliminating the need for repeated treatments and discomfort.
Rapid relief: Many patients experience immediate relief from pain and discomfort following ingrown toenail surgery, allowing them to resume normal activities without restrictions.
Reduced risk of complications: By addressing the underlying cause of the ingrown toenail, surgery helps reduce the risk of infection, abscess formation and other complications associated with untreated ingrown toenails.
Improved nail appearance: Following surgery, the affected toenail will typically grow back normally, with a reduced risk of ingrowth and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
- Pain: An ingrown toenail can cause pain and tenderness along the nail edge or big toe, especially when pressure is applied or when you wear shoes.
- Swelling: The surrounding skin may become swollen, red, and sensitive due to irritation from the ingrown nail.
- Infection: An infected ingrown toenail may cause warmth, pus, or drainage around the nail fold and nail bed. Sometimes the infection can spread if left untreated.
- Difficulty walking: A severe ingrown toenail can make it painful to walk or wear shoes comfortably, limiting normal activities.
- Chronic symptoms: Chronic ingrown toenails can lead to ongoing inflammation, thickened nail folds, or nail disorders that may require surgical treatment.
At Jakupi Podiatry, our foot specialists diagnose and manage all stages of ingrown toenails, focusing on early care to relieve pain, clear infection, and prevent recurrence.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to get rid of an ingrown toenail?
The fastest and safest way to treat an ingrown toenail is to see a podiatrist for professional ingrown toenail treatment. Mild cases can improve with warm water soaks, keeping feet clean and dry, and gently lifting the nail edge with clean dental floss or cotton to relieve pressure. For painful ingrown toenails or infection, a partial nail avulsion offers fast, long-term pain relief and prevents recurrence.
Is it okay to dig out an ingrown toenail?
It’s not recommended to dig out an ingrown nail yourself, doing so can damage the nail bed and surrounding skin, making the problem worse or causing infection. Instead, seek professional toenail treatment. Our foot specialists can safely remove the offending nail spike under local anaesthetic and provide proper aftercare to prevent ingrown toenails in the future.
Will an ingrown toenail heal on its own?
A mild ingrown toenail may improve with conservative care, like soaking the foot, wearing comfortable shoes, and keeping toenails straight across. However, if left untreated, the nail grows into the skin, leading to swelling, infection, or chronic ingrown toenails that require podiatry treatment such as partial nail avulsion or ingrown toenail surgery.
Do podiatrists fix ingrown toenails?
Yes. A podiatrist is a foot specialist trained to diagnose and treat all stages of ingrown toenails , from conservative care to surgical treatment. Depending on the severity, your podiatrist may perform a partial or total nail avulsion, removing the ingrown part of the nail plate and, if needed, applying a solution to stop it from growing back, providing a permanent solution for chronic or severely infected ingrown toenails.
Should I go to a GP or podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
A podiatrist is the best choice for ingrown toenail treatment, as they specialise in toenail disorders, foot pain, and minor nail surgery. While your GP may prescribe oral antibiotics for an infected ingrown toenail, only a podiatrist can correct the underlying nail root issue and help prevent ingrown toenails from returning.
Can I remove an ingrown nail myself?
It’s not advisable to attempt to remove an ingrown toenail at home. While some home remedies can ease symptoms, such as soaking the feet in warm water or wearing loose shoes, professional toenail treatment is safer and more effective. A podiatrist can precisely remove the portion of the nail causing discomfort, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection or poor blood flow complications.
What is the best doctor to see for an ingrown toenail?
The best doctor to see for an ingrown toenail is a podiatrist. They specialise in foot and nail care, providing both conservative care and surgical options like partial nail avulsion or total nail avulsion. At Jakupi Podiatry, our experienced foot specialists use gentle techniques to relieve pain, treat the infection, and restore normal nail growth, helping your feet stay healthy and active.
Contact us
More Questions?
Don’t let ingrown toenails hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Schedule a consultation with a podiatrist today and take the first step towards lasting relief and improved foot health.