Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are very painful, and unfortunately many people put up with them for far too long!
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. It most commonly affects the big toe.
Causes & Risk Factors
Ingrown toenails can develop due to:
Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges
Tight or ill-fitting shoes
Repeated trauma or pressure to the toe
Genetic tendency to curved or thick nails
Poor foot hygiene
Common Symptoms
Redness and swelling around the nail
Pain and tenderness along the side of the nail
Infection (pus or drainage) in severe cases
Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably
At Berwick Podiatry we are very experienced in dealing with ingrown toenails.
Firstly, they need to be assessed. The problem can range in severity and this will influence how we treat them.
In some cases we can gently remove the nail spike on the first appointment. It is relatively painless, takes a few minutes and provides relief. Walking out of the appointment pain free is a great feeling.
If the concern is more severe, for example if the area is very swollen or the nail itself is curling at the edge, we may discuss a more permanent solution to your concern. Our Podiatrists at Berwick Podiatry are qualified to administer local anaesthetic, which completely numbs the area. We are then able to remove the offending piece of nail. This procedure is called a partial nail avulsion and is the best technique for preventing chronic ingrown toenails from recurring.
Partial Nail Avulsion Procedure
A partial nail avulsion is a safe and effective procedure performed by podiatrists to treat problematic or ingrown toenails. It involves the careful removal of the affected portion of the nail, relieving pain and preventing infection, while preserving the healthy part of the nail.
Why It’s Done
Treats painful ingrown toenails
Resolves recurrent infections under the nail
Prevents nail deformities or chronic discomfort
How the Procedure Works
Assessment – The podiatrist examines the affected nail and surrounding tissue to ensure suitability for the procedure.
Local Anaesthetic – A small local anaesthetic is administered to numb the toe, ensuring the procedure is comfortable and pain-free.
Nail Removal – The ingrown or damaged portion of the nail is carefully removed. In some cases, a minor chemical treatment may be applied to prevent regrowth in the affected area.
Aftercare Guidance – Patients are provided with instructions to care for the toe, including cleaning, dressing changes, and advice on footwear to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
Benefits
Quick, minimally invasive, and usually completed in the clinic
Effective in relieving pain and discomfort
High success rate with proper aftercare
Reduces risk of recurrent ingrown nails and infections
Safety
Partial nail avulsion is a safe procedure when performed by our registered and highly experienced podiatrists at Berwick Podiatry. Our podiatrists regularly perform minor surgical procedures, including partial nail avulsions, with a strong track record of successful outcomes and patient satisfaction. The risk of complications is low, and patients are closely monitored during and after the procedure. Proper sterile techniques and anaesthetic administration ensure both safety and comfort.
If ingrown toenails are affecting your life, make an appointment to discuss all of this with one of our experienced Podiatrists at Berwick Podiatry.
Book your appointment today at (03) 9707 4007.
Our Berwick podiatrists also provide ingrown toenail surgery for patients from Narre Warren, Beaconsfield, Clyde, Clyde North, Hallam, and Pakenham.
