Ingrown Toenail – Causes, Treatment, and Approach
An ingrown toenail is a common and painful condition that occurs when the edge of the nail begins to irritate the surrounding skin of the nail fold. This can lead to inflammation, pain, redness, swelling, and, in advanced cases, infection.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails:
• Improper footwear – Tight, narrow shoes put pressure on the nails, promoting ingrowth.
• Incorrect nail trimming – Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges increases the risk of ingrown nails.
• Genetics and nail structure – Naturally curved or thick nails are more prone to ingrowing.
• Mechanical injuries – Repeated trauma to the toenail, e.g., during sports, can lead to problems.
• Moist environments – Excessive foot sweating softens the skin, facilitating nail ingrowth.
Our Approach to Treating Ingrown Toenails
At our clinic, we prioritize an individualized approach and patient comfort. Our goal is to ensure the patient fully understands the treatment process and to select the most effective method of therapy.
Stages of Treatment in Our Clinic:
1. Alleviating Inflammation:
• We reduce pain, redness, and swelling.
• If needed, the doctor prescribes antibiotics.
• For wounds that do not heal, we take a swab to identify potential bacterial infections,
such as:
• Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph),
• Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep),
• Anaerobic bacteria (less common).
2. Removing the Irritating Nail Fragment:
• We precisely remove the part of the nail causing irritation.
• We use tampons and separators to prevent further ingrowth and calm the inflammation.
3. Footwear Advice:
• We recommend wide, comfortable shoes to reduce pressure on the toes.
4. Nail Growth Correction with Orthonyxia (Nail Braces):
• Depending on the shape and thickness of the nail, we use different types of braces (metal, plastic, or mixed).
• The therapy usually lasts 2-12 months and offers a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Surgical Methods – UK and Poland
UK Surgical Approach
In advanced cases, when traditional methods fail, surgical treatment of ingrown toenails may be necessary:
• Partial Nail Resection:
• Removal of only the problematic part of the nail plate causing ingrowth.
• Advantages: Shorter healing time, less invasive appearance of the nail after surgery.
• Disadvantages: Risk of nail plate detachment (onycholysis) and recurrence.
• Full Nail Resection:
• Removal of the entire nail plate in cases of recurring infections or severe deformations.
• Consequences: Permanent loss of the nail, increased skin sensitivity, and limitations in activities and aesthetics.
Our clinic recommends surgical solutions only as a last resort, considering the permanent aesthetic and functional consequences. The skin may become more sensitive, affecting the patient’s quality of life. The procedure can be performed privately by a podiatrist, or we can refer the patient to an NHS podiatrist or surgeon.
Nail Fold Surgery – Poland
For cases of overgrown nail folds and frequent recurrences, we refer patients to nail fold plastic surgery at the renowned Podiatry Clinic of Dr. Ewa Ławniczak in Poznań Poland https://www.ewalawniczak.pl/plastyka-walu-paznokciowego/
What does the procedure involve?
• The surgeon removes excess soft tissue from the nail fold to prevent the skin from overlapping the nail. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with precise cutting and stitching to ensure an aesthetic appearance of the toe.
Advantages:
• Permanent resolution of ingrown toenail issues.
• A natural, aesthetic look for the nail and toe.
Nail fold plastic surgery is the ideal solution for patients seeking a permanent, aesthetic, and safe outcome.
Our Treatment Philosophy
At our clinic, we combine advanced diagnostics, non-invasive correction methods, and collaboration with renowned specialists. Our priority is the comfort, safety, and natural appearance of the patient’s foot. We invite you to a consultation to determine the best treatment method for your specific case.
Ingrowing Toe Nails
An ingrown toenail - onychocryptosis is often caused by tight footwear, cutting the nails incorrectly or picking the nail.
Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nail.
Early treatment is highly recommended before the ingrown nail leads to infection and further complications. Often a nails hasn't started to grow into the skin but causes pain as a sharp nail edge presses into the skin at the side of the toe.
They often reoccur, regular treatment may be required. Cutting a 'v' in the middle of the nail does not correct an ingrown toenail.
Treatment is to reduce the the width of the nail by cutting or filing then shaping and training the nail to grow in a pain free direction.
If ingrown toenails become infected treat immediately with an antiseptic cream. Salt water baths are also beneficial.
Anti-biotics may be required. It is best to seek professional help.
Nail Bracing – a less painful alternative to surgery
The BS nail bracing system is a new technique for nail correction from Germany.
It is easy to apply, painless and inexpensive.
The BS-brace uses a flat spring made of plastic which is glued into place by the foot health practitioner.
This technique is avalibel in my practice and the results are very promising.
It reduces pressure around the nail and extends the length of time between treatments.
In just a few months, the shape of the nail can improve dramatically.
It takes approximately one year for the nail to grow back correctly.
The BS nail bracing system technique offers a real alternative to surgery, giving patients more choice.
Contact us for a consultation in our Luton Stopsley surgery for treatment of your ingrown toenails.
The Onyfix nail correction system
The Onyfix nail correction system is a versatile and innovative product that enables completely painless treatment of almost all forms of involuted and ingrown toenails.
Your foot health practitioner adapts the system individually and fixes it to your nail, which is then brought back into its natural shape as it grows.
" Onyfix " is a Health Canada “Medical Device, Class 1” designed to correct painful ingrown toenails. The device is a band or plate of methylacrylate resin that gradually lifts curved nails into correct alignment without pain or surgery.
Onyfix is applied to your nail at its widest part . As your nail grows, it will retrain your nail back into a natural position and shape.
The whole process takes several months to complete but is completely painless during application and while wearing the Onyfix band. Instant relief can be achieved with Onyfix without having to resort to nail surgery.
Does nail bracing hurt? It's painless to apply, but you may experience some discomfort from the tension of the brace after initial application and follow up adjustments.
Nail bracing is a safe, simple, and inexpensive treatment option that avoids surgery, requires no anesthetic, requires no recovery period, allows wearing the existing shoes, offers immediate relief from pain, and allows the practice of daily activities. Braces can be used for prolonged periods of times.
Onyfix is suitable for adults, children and diabetics.
Titanium Toenail Bracing and Unibrace
Our Titanium Toenail Bracing service and advanced Unibrace technology provide an effective alternative to surgery for treating ingrown and deformed toenails. This non-invasive treatment involves the application of a lightweight, durable titanium brace that gently lifts the edges of the nail, allowing it to grow in a more natural position.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of your toenail condition, followed by a precise fitting of the brace to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. The titanium material is biocompatible, reducing the risk of irritation and allowing for natural nail growth without the need for surgical intervention.
This treatment not only alleviates pain and discomfort associated with ingrown toenails but also helps prevent future occurrences.
Patients can enjoy improved foot health and mobility without the downtime typically associated with surgical options.
Ideal for anyone looking for a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution to toenail issues.
Individual made orthotic - toe separators
There are a whole host of foot problems that can affect our daily lives. Above are just a selection of the most common
complaints that are dealt with on a daily basis. Call for a chat about your particular needs.
