If you’ve ever suffered from a recurring ingrown toenail, you know just how painful and frustrating it can be. At Footprint Health & Wellness Centre, we firmly believe you shouldn’t have to live with that discomfort. That’s why one of our key services is Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) — a reliable, effective, and permanent-style solution to stop ingrown nails from coming back.
Here’s what everyone should know about the procedure, how it works, and why we do it here—safely and professionally.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Before diving into the fix, it helps to understand what leads to ingrown nails in the first place. Some common contributing factors include:
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Improper nail trimming (cutting the corners too short or rounding deeply)
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Picking, peeling, or tearing nails instead of trimming neatly
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Wearing tight, narrow, or ill-fitting shoes that press the edges of the nail
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Genetic predisposition (some nails are more “curvy”)
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Trauma or injury to the toe / nail plate
When the nail edge grows into (or presses into) the surrounding skin, it causes inflammation, pain, sometimes infection, and swelling. In many mild cases, conservative measures suffice. But in cases of recurring or severe ingrowth, a more definitive answer is required.
Conservative Treatment vs. Permanent Solution
At Footprint, we always consider the least invasive approach first, when appropriate:
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For mild ingrown nails, we can carefully trim out the offending “spike” of the nail and smooth the edges
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Epsom salt soaks, topical care, and anti-inflammatory measures may assist in healing
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We may prescribe antibiotics if there is evidence of infection
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Shoe/pressure management is also key (avoid tight, narrow footwear)
However, if the ingrown toenail keeps recurring, conservative methods often only provide temporary relief. That’s when a Partial Nail Avulsion becomes a more permanent, long-lasting solution.
What Is A Partial Nail Avulsion?
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is a minor surgical procedure performed in our clinic. The goal is to remove the problematic portion of the nail (usually one side, sometimes both) and prevent it from regrowing into the skin again. Here’s how it works:
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Local Anesthetic
We numb the toe thoroughly so you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. -
Removal of the Offending Strip
The chiropodist cuts out the edge of the nail that is digging into the skin—down to the root or matrix area. -
Chemical Ablation
To prevent that same strip from regrowing, we apply a chemical (often phenol) to the nail matrix in that zone. This effectively kills the cells in that section so the ingrowing part does not regenerate. -
Finishing and Aftercare
The remaining nail edge is smoothed, dressings are applied, and post-op instructions are given (soaks, keeping the area clean, pain control, etc.). We monitor the toe for healing and, if necessary, prescribe oral antibiotics.
Because only part of the nail (not the whole nail) is removed, the toe retains a mostly “normal” appearance. Over time, the nail edge becomes straight rather than curved inward, significantly reducing the chance of re-ingrowth.
Why We Do This Procedure In-Clinic
At Footprint, as a full scope chiropody clinic, we provide:
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Sterile, professional conditions
The procedure is done in a medical environment to minimize infection risk and ensure safety. -
Expertise and experience
Our team is trained to execute the procedure precisely and manage any complications. -
Aftercare and follow-up
We can monitor healing, provide dressings, and prescribe any necessary oral antibiotics if infection is present.
The chemical ablation step requires care and knowledge to ensure the right amount is applied. -
Comfort & convenience
You don’t need to go to a hospital or seek specialist referral in many cases — we do it right here, quickly and efficiently.
What to Expect During & After the Procedure
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The toe is numbed, so you should only feel minimal pressure or mild discomfort.
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The procedure itself is relatively quick—often under 30 minutes, though this depends on severity and individual anatomy.
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Immediately afterward, you’ll have a dressing over the toe. You’ll receive instructions on:
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How to care for the wound (soaks, cleaning)
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When to change dressings
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Signs of complications (e.g., increased redness, swelling, drainage)
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Footwear adjustments to reduce pressure
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Pain management (over-the-counter analgesics as needed)
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Full healing typically takes a few weeks, though you may resume many daily activities with care.
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Over time, the remaining nail edge grows in straight and flat rather than curving into the skin — the recurrence rate is very low when done properly.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Partial Nail Avulsion is well suited for those who experience:
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Repeated ingrown toenails on the same side(s)
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Ongoing discomfort or infection
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Nail shape or curvature that predisposes to ingrowth
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Failed conservative measures
However, we evaluate each patient individually, considering overall health, circulation, healing capacity, and potential contraindications (e.g., poor blood flow, certain medical conditions, allergies, etc.).
Common Myths & Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will it hurt a lot? | Thanks to local anesthesia, pain during the procedure is minimal. Post-op soreness is manageable. |
| Will my whole nail be gone? | No — only the side(s) that cause problems. The rest of the nail remains intact. |
| Can the removed section grow back? | That’s the point of the chemical ablation — it prevents regrowth in that zone, so recurrence is rare. |
| Is this done in hospitals? | Not necessarily. At Footprint, we perform PNAs in our sterile clinic environment. |
| Are there risks? | Like all minor procedures, there is risk of infection, slow healing, or chemical over/under treatment—but these are uncommon when done by trained professionals. |
Why Choose Footprint Health & Wellness Centre?
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We are a full-scope chiropody clinic, fully equipped to perform PNA procedures in-office.
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We maintain sterile conditions and proper technique to maximize success and minimize risk.
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We also provide follow-up care, monitoring, and support throughout recovery.
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If needed, we can prescribe oral antibiotics if signs of infection are present.
If you are struggling with a painful ingrown toenail, don’t settle for repeated temporary fixes. Contact us or book your appointment online today, and let us help you achieve long-term relief with Partial Nail Avulsion.