Ingrown Toenail

By Chamith Abeyratne

Is Your Toenail Red, Swollen or Painful to Touch?

If the side of your toenail feels tender, swollen, or painful when wearing shoes, you may have an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are very common and can affect both adults and children. At On Track Podiatry, we regularly treat ingrown toenails safely and effectively — often providing immediate relief.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight forward.

This causes irritation and inflammation. If left untreated, the area can become infected.

Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe.

Common Signs and Symptoms

You may notice:

• Redness along the nail edge

• Swelling of the surrounding skin

• Pain when pressure is applied

• Warmth around the toe

• Pus or discharge (if infected)

• Overgrowth of tissue along the nail border

In early stages, discomfort may be mild. As it progresses, even light pressure from socks or bedsheets can become painful.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Several factors can contribute:

• Cutting nails too short

• Rounding the corners when trimming

• Tight shoes

• Repeated pressure from sport

• Trauma to the nail

• Naturally curved nails

• Sweaty feet

Teenagers and active adults are particularly prone due to sweating and sports participation.

Can Ingrown Toenails Become Serious?

In many healthy individuals, ingrown toenails are painful but manageable when treated early.

However, if ignored, they can:

• Become infected

• Develop significant swelling

• Form excessive tissue growth

• Cause difficulty walking

For people with diabetes, poor circulation, or compromised immune systems, an infected ingrown toenail can become more serious and should be treated promptly.

Early podiatry treatment reduces complications significantly.

How We Treat Ingrown Toenails at On Track Podiatry – Wallan

Early-Stage Ingrown Nails

We carefully remove the offending nail edge and reduce pressure. Relief is often immediate.

We may also:

• Apply antiseptic treatment

• Provide dressing advice

• Guide you on correct nail cutting technique

Recurrent or Severe Ingrown Toenails

If the nail repeatedly grows into the skin, a minor surgical procedure called a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) may be recommended.

This involves:

• Local anaesthetic (the toe is fully numb)

• Removal of the ingrown nail edge

• Application of a solution to prevent regrowth of that nail portion

The procedure is quick, safe, and highly effective.

Most patients return to normal activity within a few days.

Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt?

The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you should not feel pain during treatment.

Some mild tenderness may occur once the anaesthetic wears off, but this is usually manageable and short-lived.

We provide full aftercare instructions to ensure smooth healing.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Book an appointment if:

• The toe is painful or swollen

• There is discharge or pus

• The nail keeps growing back into the skin

• You have diabetes or circulation concerns

• Home remedies haven’t worked

Early intervention prevents more complex problems.