Ingrown toenails can occur when a nail edge is digging into the skin of one or both sides of the toe. Common causes include:
Improper cutting technique, picking, or peeling the toenails
Tight fitting shoes
Genetics
Trauma to the nail
Ideally we should be cutting our nails straight across the top and then using a file to gently round the sharp corners. Avoid cutting down the sides of the nail and picking and peeling the nails.
Unfortunately, ingrown nails can still happen, but we are here to help, and have several treatment options!
The most common procedure is a Partial Nail Avulsion (aka a PNA). This involves numbing the toe with local anesthetic and then cutting out the offending strip of nail down to the root or matrix and then using a chemical to permanently kill this section of the nail. This results in a straight side of the nail rather than a curving edge and should stop the ingrown nail from reoccurring.
As a full scope chiropody clinic we are able to perform these procedures in our office in a completely sterile manner and can prescribe oral antibiotics as needed.
If you are suffering with a sore toenail then give us a call or book online today!
