Ingrown Toe Nail Treatment & Surgery
What is an ingrowing toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of your nail grows into the soft skin of your toe. This can feel like a splinter and can be quite painful, often causing redness, swelling, or even infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe, but can happen on any toe.
What causes it?
- Cutting your toenails too short or at an angle
- Wearing tight shoes, socks, or hosiery
- Sweaty feet
- Naturally curved or brittle toenails
- Picking or tearing at your toenails
- Certain medications (e.g., acne medication, isotretinoin)
- Foot injuries
Who gets it?
Active, sporty people are particularly prone, because they sweat more. Younger people are more likely to get it (as they pick their nails more, compared to older people who may not be able to reach their toes!).
How do I know I have it?
The main symptom is pain, followed by redness and swelling around the nail. Sometimes, there might be pus or drainage. Ingrown toenails can feel similar to corns or calluses, so if you’re unsure, it’s always best to see a podiatrist.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
- Self-care: For mild cases, soaking your foot in warm, salty water and applying a clean bandage can help.
- Podiatrist visit: If your ingrown toenail is severe or infected, a podiatrist can provide safe and effective treatment.
- Surgery: For recurring ingrown toenails, a minor surgical procedure (PNA) carried out by a Podiatrist might be recommended to permanently fix the problem.
How can I prevent ingrown nails?
- Cut your nails correctly: Straight across and slightly longer than the tip of your toe.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks: Choose breathable materials and avoid tight-fitting styles.
- Keep your feet clean and dry: This helps prevent infections.
Surgery for Ingrown Toenails – Partial Nail Ablation (PNA)
Michael Abrahams performs an operation to remove an ingrown toenail for Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies program and gives you an idea of what can be done to eradicate these problems permanently. Skip forward a minute if you want to get straight to the procedural information!
If the nails are excessively thickened and damaged the entire nail can be removed to relieve the pressure from shoes.
Our Commitment to Your Comfort and Care
- Personalised approach: We take the time to explain your options and help you choose the best treatment for your needs.
- Experience matters: We understand how to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, even for children and those with anxiety.
- Transparent pricing: Our fees cover your surgery and all follow-up care, so you know the costs upfront.
What to Expect During Ingrown Toenail Surgery
- Numbing the area: You’ll receive a local anaesthetic injection so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Removing the problem: The podiatrist will carefully remove the ingrown portion of your nail.
- Preventing regrowth: A special solution is applied to stop that part of the nail from growing back.
- After the procedure: A bandage will be applied, and you’ll be able to walk normally (but avoid driving while your toe is numb). Bring comfortable, loose-fitting shoes to wear.
- Recovery: Take it easy on your feet for the first week. Time off work or school usually isn’t needed.
Is it painful afterwards?
Most people are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort they feel once the ingrown nail is gone. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol while your toe is still numb, and for a day or two after if needed.
Dressing Changes and Follow-up
- We’ll see you for brief follow-up appointments to check your progress.
- You’ll need to change the dressing daily. We’ll show you how and recommend soaking your toe in warm salt water.
- Some redness and discharge are normal during healing, which usually takes a few weeks.
Getting Started
- Consultation: Usually, you’ll have a consultation before surgery (you may have already had one). If you have a referral letter or think you might need surgery, let’s schedule a consultation, an email consultation or telehealth appointment if you wish to come straight in.
- Pre-surgery questions: We encourage you to ask! You can email us a picture of your toe for a quick assessment.
- Health considerations: We’ll ask about your overall health and any medications you take.
Costs
£330 for one toe, £430 for both – this includes the procedure, dressings and check-ups.
Book Your Appointment Today
- New Patient Consultation (Discuss Options)
- Book Surgery (One Toenail)
- Book Surgery (Both Big Toenails)
- Book a Telehealth Consultation
- Email Us with Referral/Pictures
Not sure or have questions or want to book a consultation? Contact our practice manager 01923856235. If it’s urgent, we’ll do our best to fit you in quickly.
Picture Gallery
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/L1-tib-side-nail-before.jpeg)
Paronychia
This patients toe is red and sore where the nail is digging in.
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/L1-tib-side-nail-after.jpeg)
After removal
A local anaesthetic has been applied and a tourniquet to the toe (blue ring). The large side of nail has been removed removing the pressure. No antibiotics were required.
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/R1-side-removed.jpeg)
Nail sections
Example of the width of nails that can cause ingrown toenails.
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/L1-spike-nail.jpeg)
Nail sections
Example of the width of nails that can cause ingrown toenails.
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/L1-NS-ingrown-gran.jpeg)
Hypergranulation
This nail has started to hypergranulate – new skin and blood vessels begins to over grow to try and close off the open skin. It can’t because the nail is in the way.
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/L1-NS-ingrown-gran-spike.jpeg)
Spike of nail
This spike was in the pulp of the toe causing the hypergranulation.
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ingrown-nail-1.jpeg)
Ingrown nail/Hypergranulation
This nail has also begun to hypergranulate and become inflamed around the nail.
![](https://www.painfreefeet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ingrown-nail-1-debrided.jpeg-.jpeg)
Removal of Side of Nail
A small sliver of nail was able to be removed to allow space for the skin to heal.