An ingrown toenail can be the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, something falling on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, like kicking or running. They are very common and often painful.  What happens is the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the adjacent skin of the toe. We most commonly see this affecting the big toe, but it can happen to any toe.

Ingrown toenails can range from mildly uncomfortable to incredibly painful, and they can lead to infection if not properly managed. Don’t worry, our Podiatrists can help. 

The most common cause is incorrect toenail cutting. Cutting your nails too short encourages the skin next to the nail to grow over it. Another cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that are tight or short. Certain toenail conditions can often be associated with ingrown toenails. For example, if you have had a toenail fungal infection or if you have lost a nail through trauma, you are at greater risk for developing an ingrown toenail.

If your ingrown nails are causing you pain, you may need to book an appointment for a Nail & Skin Appointment. It is best to see a podiatrist before the ingrown toenail becomes inflammed or infected. During your appointment your Podiatrist will give you a proper assessment to determine the cause of the ingrown toenail and provide a treatment plan and tips on how to avoid getting ingrown toenails in the future.  A treatment plan may include:

• Oral antibiotics. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed on referral to your doctor.
• Ingrown Toenail Removal (Minor Surgery)