Nail Surgery
Ingrowing toenails can quickly turn from a minor irritation into a very painful problem. They can limit your footwear choices, make walking uncomfortable and, if left untreated, may lead to infection. Our ingrowing toenail service is designed to relieve pain, treat infection and stop the problem from repeatedly coming back.
Whenever possible, we manage ingrowing toenails conservatively (without surgery). If the problem is persistent, severe or keeps recurring, we can provide nail surgery on-site.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Your podiatrist will begin by:
- Taking a detailed medical and foot health history
- Asking when the problem started and how it has changed over time
- Discussing your footwear, activity levels and how you currently cut your nails
- Examining the nail, surrounding skin and checking for any signs of infection
- Assessing the shape and thickness of the nail and your toe alignment
This helps us understand why the nail is ingrowing and how best to treat it.
2. Clear Diagnosis and Conservative Care
We will:
- Explain in plain language what is causing your ingrown toenail
- Show you exactly where the nail is pressing into the skin
- Gently remove any offending nail spicules (sharp pieces) where appropriate
- Clean and dress the area and advise on infection care if needed
- Provide guidance on nail cutting, footwear and self-care to reduce recurrence
Many ingrowing toenails can be managed successfully this way, without surgery.
3. Nail Surgery Options (If Needed)
If your ingrowing toenail is:
- Very painful
- Infected or repeatedly becoming infected
- Recurrent despite conservative care
- Caused by a significantly misshapen or thickened nail
…we may recommend nail surgery, which we offer in-clinic.
Your podiatrist will:
- Explain the procedure step-by-step, including local anaesthetic
- Discuss whether a partial removal (just the ingrowing edge) or full nail removal is most suitable
- Talk through the benefits, risks and expected recovery time
- Answer all your questions so you can make an informed choice
You will be fully involved in deciding whether surgery is right for you. To discuss surgery, please book ‘First Appointment – Ingrowing Toenail’.