Ingrown Nail Management, Treatment & Surgery

An in-grown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of the nail begins to protrude into the skin surrounding the nail or nail base. This is a common condition, however appropriate treatment is required to avoid the risk of infection. If an infection is left untreated, it can spread and infect the underlying bone. 

What causes in- grown toenails?

  • Poor cutting technique

  • Poorly fitting footwear

  • Involuted nails (the nail plate may be excessively curved)

What are the symptoms of in- grown toenails?

  • Pain at the end of the toe or along the edge

  • Warmth, swelling and tenderness 

  • Pain is often worse when wearing shoes or under bed sheets

  • Sore to the touch

  • And, in more severe cases, there may be oozing pus present and growth of hypergranulation tissue

Signs of infection include:

  • Pain and tenderness

  • The toe feels warm or hot

  • Redness and inflammation 

  • Discharge, fluid or pus 

  • Fever or feeling unwell

If there is no infection present, having the nail trimmed at regular intervals can assist in preventing your ingrown toenails from recurring. Depending on the severity whether the ingrown toenail is recurring, surgery under local anesthetic can be performed.

Common nail surgeries include:

  • Partial nail avulsion (PNA) with matrix sterilisation: The PNA involves removing the edge of the nail then sterilising the nail matrix. This common procedure is the least invasive.

  • Total nail avulsion (TNA) with matrix sterilisation: The TNA involves removing the whole of the nail then sterilising the nail matrix. This procedure is only recommended in select cases.

  • Wedge resection: A wedge resection involves cutting a portion of the skin to expose the nail matrix and removing either a portion of or the whole nail matrix. The skin is then sutured back together. This procedure is more invasive but usually has a quicker recovery time as Phenol is not used. 

How do I book an appointment?

Birdwood Podiatry provides treatment for a wide range of skin and nail complications such as in-grown toenails right here at our clinic in Springwood. 

If you’d like to book an appointment or have any questions about this treatment please get in touch with us.

Give us a call at (02) 4707 6558, email phil@birdwoodpodiatry.com.au or to book an appointment click here.

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