Ingrown toenails are some of the most common issues we see at Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic. They can occur on anyone, although they are most common in adults because the nails are thicker. An ingrown toenail can cause a lot of problems, from discomfort or pain, to swelling, redness, deformity, and infection.
There are a variety of methods for preventing ingrown toenails from developing or returning. Simple measures, like cutting toenails straight across with nail clippers (not scissors) and avoiding tight fitting footwear can be enough for many people to avoid ingrown toenails.
For people who are prone to getting them, wearing custom foot orthotics can be a way to prevent them from returning. Soaking your foot in water for a couple minutes every day and using Vaseline can also help keep the toe soft and grow over the skin more easily.
Sometimes, prevention methods are just not enough to stop ingrown toenails from occurring or returning. This is where ingrown toenail removal surgery comes in!
Ingrown Toenail Removal
Ingrown toenail removal is a very straightforward and common procedure that we perform at Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic. Depending on your needs and the frequency of your ingrown toenails, a different procedure might be right for you.
We perform nail spicule removal to provide relief from an ingrown toenail. In this procedure, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area while the necessary nail, or spicule (piece of nail that is growing into the skin), is removed. A follow-up appointment is usually made after this procedure to assess for any infection or unusual growths in the skin. However, caught fast, these infections are easily treated with antibiotics.
In some cases, we can also perform surgical procedures to permanently prevent regrowth of the toenail. This surgery is best for patients who regularly suffer from ingrown toenails as a permanent solution. In this surgery, a small portion along the side of the toenail is completely removed and is treated with a special chemical to disallow for regrowth. After surgery, the nail will appear a little narrower but normal. This is an ingrown toenail treatment for severe or chronic situations.
Contact the Professionals at Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic
At Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic, we can treat your ingrown toenails in a variety of ways to prevent discomfort or an infection. We do everything possible to prevent ingrown toenails from coming back, as well as provide suggestions for at home care and prevention.
If you’re suffering from ingrown toenails, contact us. We can find the solution that’s right for you.