Foot Focus Podiatry

Mon - Fri : 08:30 - 5:30   |   08 9258 4152
reception@footfocuspodiatry.com.au | Google Review
Mon - Fri : 08:30 - 5:30   |   reception@footfocuspodiatry.com.au
08 9258 4152 |
Google Review
Mon - Fri : 08:30 - 5:30
08 9258 4152
reception@footfocuspodiatry.com.au
Google Review
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Ingrown toenails can be treated conservatively or surgically depending on many factors such as:

  • shape of your nail – the more your nail is pincher or curvy (involuted) the higher the chance of reoccurring ingrown nails
  • severity of ingrown nail – how infected and how much extra tissue (hypergranulation tissue) is growing over your nail
  • number of infections / episodes of ingrown you have had. How many times have you had to be on antibiotics?
  • activities that are required and types of shoes you need to wear
  • your ability to manage cutting your nails

In most cases one of our podiatrists will conservatively remove the offending nail often called a spike / spicule (using local anaesthetic if required) to allow the nail to grow out properly.  It is like removing the jagged edge of your nail and making it smooth again.  This allows the nail to grow out past the skin without irritating the nail skin (known as nail sulci).

Should conservative measures fail then nail surgery can be performed in our rooms.  The procedure that we prefer is nail phenolisation which offers a permanent fix to your ingrown nail problem.  Our podiatrists or visiting podiatric surgeon can perform this procedure at Foot Focus podiatry.

Please refer to here for more information on ingrown toenails and conservative treatment options.

Should I Just Let My Ingrown Toenail Grow Out?

You can try to grow your nail out but if it is too painful then you will need the help of one of our friendly podiatrists to help grow your nail out.  Usually this will require cutting the corner of your nail and making the nail edge as smooth as possible.  Sometimes packing the nail away from the skin or taping the toe can help the nail grow out.  The key is to see a podiatrist to see if there is a good chance your nail can grow out.  If your nail can grow out and you wear appropriate shoes and always cut your nails so the corner are free then there is no reason that your nail should become ingrown again.  At foot focus podiatry we can teach you how to grow your nail out and cut your nails to prevent ingrown toenails. We also stock proper podiatry nail clippers / cutters that you can purchase.

How Can I Permanently Fix an Ingrown Toenail?

If your ingrown toenail is mild then allowing one of our podiatrists to cut your nail properly and assist growing your nail out may be all you need. Otherwise nail surgery is recommended for reoccurring ingrown toenails.  This can be performed by one of our podiatrist or Dr Reza Naraghi (podiatric surgeon) who attends Foot Focus Podiatry rooms.

Please refer to here for more information on surgical treatment options for ingrown toenails.

  • Winograd procedure- This procedure will be done in hospital setting under local and or general anaesthesia and it is reserved upon failure of the phenolization or if there is significant amount of skin overlapping the nail with soft tissue growth. This procedure involves removing a portion of the skin along with the nail down to the level of the bone. Sutures (stitches) will be applied to close the surgical site. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes to be performed and your foot will be bandaged. You will be seen within first 5 days and then the sutures will be removed in 10-14 days. Currently this procedure can only be performed by Reza Naraghi (podiatric surgeon).  He will prescribe appropriate pain medication for your post-operative pain management. You will be in open sandal and or post op shoe for 2 weeks. This is not for everyone (especially if you don’t like seeing surgical procedures) but should you be keen to see a step by step process involved in a Winograd then please click here.
  • Zadik Procedure- This procedure is used with permanent total nail removal is desired. The indications for the procedure are significant ingrowing nail on both borders, thickened and painful nails and bony growth under the nailbed. This procedure can be done under local with sedation and or under general anaesthesia at a hospital and or day surgery centre. Sutures will be applied and will be removed 14 days post surgery. You can not get your foot wet and your foot will be in a sterile bandage for 2-3 weeks. You may need pain medication post surgery. On average it will take six weeks for your nail bed area to heal. Following that you can wear most close shoes.

Matrixectomy with phenolization- This procedure involves removing the nail partially or totally and ablating (destroying) the root using a weak acid called phenol. This will cause permanent ablation of the root of the offending nail and prevent ingrown nail recurrence. This procedure is successful 95% of the time. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes and can be performed in our rooms using local anaesthesia with or without sedation. Post operatively you will be required to soak your toe and apply a daily dressing. Wearing open toe shoes for at least 3-4 days is recommended. You maybe required to take oral antibiotics. Most patients do not require pain medication following the procedure, and if needed Panadol is sufficient for pain management. You can go back to regular shoes after one week.  This is not for everyone (especially if you don’t like seeing surgical procedures) but should you be keen to see a step by step process involved in a partial nail matrixectomy with phenolisation then please click here.