Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful condition that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation, inflammation and sometimes infection.

In some cases, a strongly curved or involuted nail can cause similar symptoms by pressing into the nail bed and surrounding skin.

If left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen over time and become infected, making walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge grows into the skin alongside the nail rather than over it.

This can lead to:

  • Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
  • Redness and swelling
  • Warmth and inflammation
  • Possible infection and discharge in more severe cases

Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe but can occur in any toenail.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can develop for a number of reasons, including:

  • Incorrect nail cutting (too short or rounded edges)
  • Tight or poorly fitting footwear
  • Trauma or injury to the toe
  • Naturally curved or thickened nails
  • Pressure from bunions or toe crowding
  • Repetitive pressure from sport or activity

In many cases, a combination of factors contributes to the problem.

Why Treatment Is Important

If an ingrown toenail becomes infected, it may spread into deeper tissue and, in rare cases, affect underlying structures. This risk is higher in people with conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation.

Even when antibiotics are prescribed, the underlying nail edge often needs to be treated to prevent recurrence.

Early treatment helps reduce pain, resolve infection and prevent ongoing issues.

How Ingrown Toenails Are Treated

Treatment depends on severity, pain level and whether infection is present.

Conservative treatment

In many cases, the problematic section of nail can be carefully removed to relieve pressure and allow the toe to heal.

This may include:

  • Removal of the ingrown nail edge
  • Cleaning and dressing of the area
  • Antiseptic care and infection management
  • Temporary pain relief measures

Local anaesthetic may be used to ensure comfort during treatment.

Surgical Treatment (Nail Surgery)

For recurring or severe ingrown toenails, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended.

A nail wedge resection involves:

  • Removing a small section of the nail edge
  • Narrowing the nail slightly to prevent regrowth into the skin
  • Treating the nail root to reduce recurrence risk

This procedure is performed in clinic under local anaesthetic and is generally well tolerated, with most people able to walk out afterwards.

Clinical research shows this method is highly effective for long term resolution of recurring ingrown toenails.

Non Surgical Option: Nail Bracing

For suitable cases, nail bracing may be used as a non surgical alternative.

This involves applying a small brace to gently correct nail shape and reduce pressure on the surrounding skin.

Benefits include:

  • No anaesthetic required
  • Suitable for children and people with diabetes
  • Painless application
  • Gradual correction of nail curvature over time

Treatment duration may range from 3 to 12 months depending on nail shape and severity.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

To reduce the risk of recurrence, we recommend:

  • Cutting nails straight across rather than rounding edges
  • Avoiding cutting nails too short
  • Wearing properly fitted footwear with adequate toe space
  • Managing pressure from bunions or toe crowding
  • Regular podiatry nail care for difficult nail shapes
  • Early treatment of nail discomfort before it worsens

How FootMotion Can Help

At FootMotion, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for ingrown toenails using clinical assessment and evidence based care.

We offer:

  • Accurate nail and skin assessment
  • Conservative ingrown nail treatment
  • Minor nail surgery options
  • Nail bracing for non surgical correction
  • Infection management and wound care
  • Footwear advice to reduce pressure and recurrence risk

Our goal is to relieve pain quickly and prevent the problem returning.

When to Seek Treatment

You should book an appointment if:

  • You have pain along the edge of a toenail
  • The area is red, swollen or infected
  • The problem keeps returning
  • Walking or footwear is becoming uncomfortable
  • You have diabetes or circulation concerns

Early treatment can prevent complications and reduce recovery time.

Get Back on Your Feet

Ingrown toenails are highly treatable, and most people experience significant relief once the pressure is removed.

Find your nearest FootMotion store and book a podiatry assessment today.

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