Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails (Onychocryptosis) are commonly seen by podiatrists and may affect people of any age. They can be very painful and if not treated quickly, often result in infection. An ingrown toenail is described as a nail that has pierced (or presses against) the skin usually causing inflammation and pain.
What causes ingrown toenails?
- Tight or incorrect fitting footwear
- Involuted nails (nails that curl inwards)
- Poor foot function
- Genetics
- Trauma or incorrectly cut toe nails
What can a podiatrist do to treat ingrown toenails?
In many cases, treatment is as simple as carefully removing a small section of nail. This is often painless. Nail surgery is also regularly used by Podiatrists to effectively treat ingrown toenails. Surgery may be required when a nail is repeatedly painful or infected. The Hills District Podiatry team will always explore conservative treatment options before reverting to surgery. One of those options is Nail Bracing.