Ingrown Toenails
Are ingrown toenails causing you pain and discomfort? You’re not alone. At Newmarket Advanced Foot Clinic and Orthotics, we understand the frustration that ingrown toenails can bring. Our experienced chiropodists and podiatrists are here to provide you with effective solutions, personalized care, and the expertise you need to find relief and get back to enjoying life.
Symptoms
An ingrown toenail is often characterized by pain and tenderness along the edge of the toenail, accompanied by redness, swelling, and in some cases, infection with pus or drainage.
Treatments
Treatments for an ingrown toenail may include educating about proper nail care and footwear, prescribing topical or oral antibiotics, Onyfix, and in more severe cases, opting for partial or complete nail avulsion.
Understanding Ingrown Toenails & How We Can Help You
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It's most common on the big toe. Here are the typical symptoms:
Pain and Tenderness: Near the sides of the nail, especially when pressure is applied.
Redness: Around the affected area.
Swelling: Of the toe around the nail.
Infection: If not treated, the area can become infected, leading to more severe symptoms like increased pain, pus drainage, and overgrowth of skin around the nail.
What are the common causes?
The most common causes of an ingrown toenail include:
Improper Nail Trimming: Clipping your nails too short or cutting down the sides can increase the likelihood of an ingrown toenail.
Tight Shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight can put pressure on the toes and cause the nail to grow into the skin.
Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it, can result in an ingrown toenail.
Genetics: Sometimes your toenails just naturally curve in a way that makes it more likely to be ingrown.
What are the possible treatments for an ingrown toenail?
At Newmarket Advanced Foot Clinic and Orthotics, we believe that informed decisions are the first step towards healthy, pain-free feet. Discover a range of treatment options for ingrown toenails, empowering you to choose the best solution for your individual needs and preferences.
Conservative Treatments
Proper Nail Care: Learning the right way to trim your toenails can prevent ingrown nails from recurring. Routine nail care at our clinic is an option to treat an existing ingrown toenail or can be done regularly as preventative treatment.
Footwear Advice: Wearing comfortable, properly fitting shoes can alleviate pressure on the affected toenail and promote healing.
Treat the Infection
Topical Antibiotics: If the ingrown toenail is infected, your chiropodist may prescribe an antibiotic cream to treat the infection.
Oral Antibiotics: In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary to combat infection.
Nail Bracing
Onyfix: A pain-free, non-invasive technique that involves bracing the nail to gently re-train the nail to grow out naturally without digging in. Onyfix holds the shape of the nail at the base, and gently lifts the nail edge as the nail grows out. This is an excellent option for those who are afraid of needles or who may not be eligible for surgery, such as those with diabetes, vascular disease, or other circulatory conditions.
Nail Avulsion, with or without the matrixectomy
Partial Nail Avulsion: If conservative methods fail, the part of the nail causing the issue can be removed permanently. This is recommended when an ingrown toenail repeatedly gets infected or if previous options to remove it have been unsuccessful. You may want to consider a partial nail avulsion if the toe is persistently painful to the point where you have difficulty wearing closed toed shoes, despite regular treatment.
Rest assured, this procedure is minimally invasive, and we take every measure to ensure your comfort.
Total Nail Avulsion: In very severe or recurrent cases, complete nail removal may be recommended. This procedure involves permanently removing the entire toenail to prevent regrowth. While this may sound extreme, it is highly effective in removing chronic ingrown toenails.
What is the urgency if you have poor circulation or diabetes?
If you have poor circulation or diabetes, it is important that you seek immediate treatment as soon as symptoms become present.
Contact us today to book your assessment and let us help you get back on your feet!
Don’t let an ingrown toenail disrupt your daily life!
At Newmarket Advanced Foot Clinic and Orthotics, we understand the discomfort and frustration that ingrown toenails can cause. Our expert chiropodists are here to assess your condition and provide the most suitable treatment option for your specific needs. If you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Your foot health is our priority, and we’re here to help you get back on your feet comfortably and confidently.