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INGROWN TOENAIL TREATMENT IN DEVON & CORNWALL
Painful toenail? Get professional help from Riviera Footcare.
An ingrown toenail can quickly turn from a minor irritation into a painful problem that makes shoes, walking and everyday activities uncomfortable.
At Riviera Footcare Ltd, our experienced podiatry team provides assessment and treatment for ingrown toenails, from conservative care through to nail surgery where clinically appropriate.
Call 01803 424088 to arrange an appointment.
CONSERVATIVE INGROWN TOENAIL TREATMENT
Not every ingrown toenail requires surgery.
Where appropriate, our podiatry team may be able to carefully treat the troublesome nail edge and relieve the pressure on the surrounding skin.
We'll also provide advice about nail care and footwear to help reduce the likelihood of the problem returning.
WHAT IS AN INGROWN TOENAIL?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into or presses against the surrounding skin.
It most commonly affects the big toe and can cause:
- Pain and tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Inflamed skin around the nail
- Difficulty wearing shoes
- Discharge or signs of infection in some cases
Getting professional help early can often make the problem easier to manage.
WHAT CAUSES INGROWN TOENAILS?
Several factors can contribute to an ingrown toenail, including:
- Cutting nails too short
- Cutting down the sides of the nail
- Naturally curved nails
- Tight or poorly fitting footwear
- Injury or trauma to the nail
- Thickened nails
- Repeated pressure on the toes
Your podiatrist will assess the nail and surrounding tissue before recommending treatment.
INGROWN TOENAIL SURGERY
For painful, severe or repeatedly recurring ingrown toenails, a minor nail procedure may provide a longer-term solution.
Riviera Footcare provides surgical treatment for ingrown toenails where clinically appropriate.
The procedure is performed using local anaesthetic to numb the toe. Depending on the condition of the nail, your podiatrist will discuss the most appropriate procedure with you.
You'll also receive aftercare advice to support healing following treatment.
WHEN SHOULD I SEEK HELP?
Consider arranging an assessment if:
- Your toe is painful or swollen
- The nail repeatedly becomes ingrown
- You have difficulty wearing shoes
- The skin surrounding the nail is inflamed
- The problem keeps returning after cutting the nail
- You're concerned about infection
People with diabetes, reduced circulation or reduced sensation should be particularly careful about attempting to treat foot problems themselves.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you treat an ingrown toenail without surgery?
Yes, in some cases. Conservative treatment may be sufficient depending on the severity and cause of the ingrown nail.
When might nail surgery be recommended?
Surgery may be considered for severe, painful or repeatedly recurring ingrown toenails when conservative treatment hasn't resolved the problem.
Does ingrown toenail surgery hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the toe during suitable nail surgery procedures. Your podiatrist will explain the procedure and what to expect beforehand.
Will you remove my entire toenail?
Not necessarily. The appropriate procedure depends on the individual nail and the nature of the problem. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you after assessment.
How long does an ingrown toenail take to heal?
Healing times vary depending on the treatment or procedure performed and the individual patient. You'll receive appropriate aftercare instructions.
Can an ingrown toenail come back?
It can. Recurrence depends on factors including nail shape, footwear, nail-cutting technique and the treatment performed.
Should I cut out an ingrown toenail myself?
Digging into or cutting down the sides of the nail can sometimes make the problem worse. If the nail is painful, inflamed or repeatedly ingrowing, professional assessment is advisable.