Painful or infected ingrown toenail?
Our podiatrists assess and treat ingrown toenails in children and adults at HealthiClinic in Greenwich.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail presses into or breaks the surrounding skin. It most often affects the big toe and can cause tenderness, redness, swelling, overgrown tissue or infection.
Early assessment can help determine whether the nail can be managed conservatively or whether a more definitive procedure is likely to provide a better long-term result.
How Heel Pain Is Assessed
- Pain along one or both sides of the nail
- Redness, swelling or discharge
- Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably
- Repeated flare-ups in the same nail
- Overgrown or persistently swollen tissue
- A previous procedure has not resolved the problem
- Diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation
How our podiatrists assess ingrown toenails
Our podiatrists examine the nail shape, the surrounding skin, the degree of inflammation or infection, previous treatment and any factors that may be contributing to recurrence. The aim is to recommend the least invasive option that is appropriate for the severity and history of the problem.
Treatment options
- Advice on nail care and footwear
- Removal of a small nail spike or troublesome edge where appropriate
- Cleaning and management of irritated skin
- Conservative nail care for early or mild cases
- Partial nail avulsion with chemical matrix treatment for selected recurring cases
- Other surgical approaches when the surrounding tissue or nail anatomy requires a different solution
When might a nail procedure be recommended?
A procedure may be considered when pain is significant, the nail repeatedly becomes inflamed or infected, conservative care has not worked, or the nail shape is likely to continue causing problems. Many procedures can be performed in the clinic using local anaesthetic. The podiatrist will explain what is involved, expected recovery, wound care and likely costs before treatment proceeds.
Recurrent, complex or previously treated ingrown toenails
Some nails require more detailed assessment because of previous surgery, persistent swollen tissue, residual nail growth or repeated infection. HealthiClinic Podiatry can assess these cases and determine the most suitable next step.
Where advanced or surgical assessment is appropriate, patients may be seen by Dr Damien Lafferty, Surgical Podiatrist, as part of the broader HealthiClinic Podiatry team.
Care From Our Podiatry Team
HealthiClinic Podiatry provides care through our associate podiatrists and broader clinical team. Patients can begin with a general podiatry assessment and be directed to the most appropriate clinician or treatment pathway.
Meet Dr. Damien Lafferty
Podiatric Surgeon & General Podiatrist
Dr Damien Lafferty is a surgical podiatrist based in Sydney, Australia. He has 38 years of podiatry experience, including 29 years of podiatric surgical experience, and has taught at the University of Newcastle for 19 years.
For patients whose concern can be managed through general podiatry, care may remain straightforward. Where a more specialised pathway is appropriate, the initial assessment can help identify the next step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can an ingrown toenail settle without surgery?
Mild cases may improve with appropriate nail care, footwear changes and podiatry treatment. Recurrent or more advanced cases may require a procedure.
Do I need antibiotics?
Not every ingrown toenail requires antibiotics. The podiatrist will assess whether local treatment, a nail procedure or medical review is more appropriate.
Is the procedure painful?
Local anaesthetic is used for procedures. The injection may briefly sting, but the toe should be numb during treatment.
Can children have ingrown toenail treatment?
Yes. Our podiatrists assess children and teenagers and tailor treatment to the child, the nail and the severity of the problem.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies with the procedure and the individual. Many people remain mobile, although dressings and temporary footwear changes may be needed.
Will the whole nail be removed?
Usually not. When a procedure is required, only the troublesome edge is commonly treated. The exact option depends on the nail and surrounding tissue.
What if the nail has already been treated before?
Previous treatment does not prevent further assessment. Recurrent cases may need review for residual nail growth, nail shape or permanently enlarged surrounding tissue.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is generally not required for a private podiatry appointment.
Can I claim through private health insurance?
Podiatry benefits depend on the patient’s policy and level of cover. Patients should confirm this with their insurer.
Where is HealthiClinic Podiatry located?
HealthiClinic Podiatry is located in Greenwich on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
Book a Ingrown Toenail Appointment
Book an assessment with HealthiClinic Podiatry in Greenwich if an ingrown toenail is painful, infected, recurring or interfering with footwear and activity.