An ingrown toenail is a small problem that causes a lot of pain, and it has a habit of coming back. It happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, most often on the big toe. At Advanced Footcare our practitioners can start prompt treatment and give lasting relief.
Signs of an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail usually starts as tenderness along the edge of the nail, followed by redness, swelling and pain when pressure is put on the toe. If it becomes infected the area can weep or produce discharge. Caught early it is often simple to settle, so it is worth seeing someone before it worsens.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails
They are often caused by cutting the nails too short or curved down at the edges, by tight shoes or socks that press on the toes, by an injury to the nail, or simply by the natural shape of the nail. Once the skin has been broken, the same edge tends to catch again, which is why some nails keep becoming ingrown.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails
A podiatrist first tries to reduce the pain and resolve the problem conservatively, carefully removing the part of the nail that is causing trouble. This gives quick relief for a one-off ingrown nail. Our full guidance is in how to deal with ingrown toenails.
A Permanent Solution for Recurrent Ingrown Toenails
For nails that keep becoming ingrown, we offer a minor procedure under local anaesthetic that treats the edge of the nail so it does not recur. It is common, straightforward, and usually ends a recurring problem for good. The toe is numbed first, and we send you home with clear aftercare so it heals cleanly.
Why Choose Advanced Footcare
- Prompt appointments and quick relief
- A permanent option for recurrent ingrown nails
- Experienced, HCPC-registered clinicians
- Part of our wider foot care service
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Once a nail has been treated, a few simple habits keep it from coming back. Cut nails straight across rather than curved down at the corners, avoid cutting them too short, and choose shoes and socks that do not press on the toes. If a nail keeps catching despite this, the permanent procedure is usually the sensible next step.
If an ingrown toenail is causing you pain, call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions.
How do you treat an ingrown toenail?
For immediate relief we carefully remove the portion of nail growing into the skin. For nails that keep becoming ingrown, we offer a minor procedure under local anaesthetic that treats the edge of the nail so it does not recur.
Is ingrown toenail treatment painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic for any procedure, so the treatment itself is comfortable. Most people are surprised how straightforward it is, and it brings quick relief from a painful problem.
Will my ingrown toenail come back?
A one-off ingrown nail may not recur if you cut nails straight across and wear roomy footwear. For nails that keep coming back, the minor procedure treats the edge of the nail permanently and usually ends the cycle for good.
Does the permanent procedure hurt?
The toe is fully numbed with local anaesthetic first, so the procedure itself is not painful. There can be some tenderness as it heals afterwards, and we give you clear aftercare to keep it comfortable and clean.
How soon can I be seen for an ingrown toenail?
We aim to see painful ingrown toenails promptly, often within a few days, because early treatment usually settles them faster and more comfortably.
Will the nail look normal after the permanent procedure?
The treated nail is usually a little narrower afterwards, but it looks tidy and natural, and most people are simply relieved to be free of a recurring, painful problem.
Our team
Care from named, HCPC-registered specialists.
Every patient is looked after by a named clinician who sees them through from the first assessment to treatment and follow-up, so nothing gets lost between appointments. Get to know the team who will be looking after your feet.
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