An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a nail becomes embedded into the surrounding skin. This can cause excruciating pain and often becomes infected. This condition is very common in teenagers but occurs across all ages. Ingrown toenails always require treatment in order for a patient to be comfortable. However, in patients with diabetes or poor circulation significant risk of toe, forefoot or below knee amputation can occur if ingrown toenails are ignored.
In many cases the podiatrist will treat the nail edge to make the patient comfortable and to prevent recurrence. Where appropriate our podiatric surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to manage infection Read more. In cases where recurrent pain or infection occurs a simple procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic to permanently remove a small portion of the nail. Most patients are back to normal activities in 1 to 2 weeks. Read more
