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Ingrowing toenail

What is an Ingrowing toenail? 

 

An ingrowing toenail occurs when the nail grows into and pierces the surrounding skin.  The toe(s) may become red and inflamed and you may notice bleeding or pus coming from the area. It can be extremely painful and even putting your shoes on may become problematic.  Sometimes a toenail may not actually be ingrowing but there is some level of discomfort, this is usually caused by an involuted (curved) or fungal/thickened toenail(s) (known as a nail pathology). 

 

Ingrown toenails and nail pathologies are extremely common and even a minor ingrown toenail can quickly become more of an issue, particularly if an infection takes hold.

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What causes an ingrowing toenail?

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  • Poor nail cutting

  • Picking your nails

  • Tight footwear

  • Injury

  • Family history

  • Sweaty feet

  • Bony deformities

Regardless of how an ingrowing toenail starts, the treatment can vary from simple conservative management of the condition to more complex surgical procedures.

Early Podiatry intervention is particularly important to help reduce discomfort, pain and possible infection.


Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatment takes up to 30 - 45 minutes, if you are a new patient conservative treatment will be included during your consultation. 


Sometimes despite feeling pretty painful it may not look unpleasant and may require only trimming away a small section to help elevate discomfort and stop it ingrowing. We call this sectioning. (known as conservative treatment).


If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, or the ingrowing nail / nail pathology (problem) is too severe, then the "Gold Standard" procedure of nail surgery with Phenolisation can be provided.   This has a high success rate to help prevent a return of your symptoms.

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During conservative treatment if you require a local anaesthetic (which may be offered to you if the Podiatrist feels it is necessary) this will be charged at an additional cost of £45.

Minor Nail Surgery

​Minor surgical intervention is used if the ingrown nail is severe, if conservative care is difficult, or if the ingrown toenail does not respond well to conservative treatment. Nail surgery is a relatively simple procedure and is a permanent solution to the problem. There are a few different minor surgical procedures that can be utilised by a podiatrist to treat an ingrown toe nail. These can all be performed in the treatment room under a local anaesthetic.

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The most common minor surgical procedure is the removal of a portion along the side of the nail. In the worst case scenario it may be necessary to remove the entire nail. At the base of the nail there are cells which cause the nail to grow. Unless something is done to remove these cells then the nail will grow back. A chemical (phenol) is applied to destroy these cells and prevent nail re-growth. After the surgery you will need to keep your foot elevated for a few hours and rest. You can return to work or school the following day. It is advised that you refrain from sports and running for at least two weeks.

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Minor nail surgery package 

Approx 1 hour

£370

The package includes:

  • The surgery for one toenail 

  • Local anaesthetic

  • Two review appointments, 1 the day after surgery and the second approximately 6 weeks post op

  • A dressing pack for approximately 4 dressings 

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Nail surgery 2 toes £445 with full package 

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Please note a  deposit of £100 secures booking 

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