Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Right For You? Signs You Need Treatment

An ingrown toenail may start as a minor inconvenience but can quickly become a source of severe pain, swelling, and even infection if left untreated. While mild cases often respond to home remedies, more severe or recurring instances might require medical intervention, such as ingrown toenail surgery. But sometimes, it can be hard to understand when you need treatment for an Ingrown toenail. Keep reading as we will walk you through the signs that surgery may be necessary.

Our podiatrists at Proactive Wellbeing Clinic in Medway specialise in carefully diagnosing and treating foot conditions. From expert consultation to tailored treatment plans, our team is dedicated to helping you find relief and prevent future problems. If you’re dealing with persistent discomfort, let us guide you toward the best solution for your needs.

Contact us today on 01634 723 600 or email us at to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards pain-free, healthy feet!

What Is An Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail (known medically as Onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can cause significant pain and swelling. Sometimes, it may lead to infection, making it even more uncomfortable. While the exact cause of ingrown toenails can vary, the condition is often the result of improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or even injury to the toe.

In the early stages, simple at-home remedies can manage ingrown toenail treatment. However, when the issue persists or worsens, medical intervention becomes necessary. If you’re struggling with ongoing foot pain management due to an ingrown toenail, seeking professional help can offer a lasting solution.

Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Right For You?

While many people can manage ingrown toenails with self-care, surgery becomes necessary when the condition becomes chronic or severe. If your ingrown toenail symptoms are not improving with topical treatments or oral medication, it’s time to consider ingrown toenail removal through a surgical procedure.

Depending on the severity of the problem, various surgical options are available. One common treatment is wedge resection, which involves removing part of the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin. Another option, matrix ectomy, involves removing part of the nail bed to ensure the nail does not grow back.

You may need ingrown toenail surgery if:

• Ingrown toenail symptoms persist or worsen, causing ongoing pain and discomfort.
• The toenail has become infected, and antibiotics are not providing relief.
• You are experiencing difficulty walking due to foot pain management issues caused by the ingrown toenail.
• Toenail fungus has become a contributing factor, complicating the situation.

Signs That You Need Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Knowing when your ingrown toenail needs surgery can be difficult, but certain signs indicate it’s time for a more serious intervention. Here are some common indicators:

1. Persistent Pain And Discomfort

Ongoing pain is one of the most obvious signs that you need ingrown toenail surgery. If you experience constant discomfort from your ingrown toenail, it could be a sign that the problem is deeper than just a simple nail issue.

Initially, mild pain may be relieved with topical treatments or home remedies like warm soaks. However, if the pain persists, it suggests that the toenail is embedded deeply into the skin or irritates the surrounding tissues. This level of discomfort can interfere with walking, standing, or even wearing shoes. If over-the-counter medications or at-home treatments don’t help, it may be time to see a podiatrist to discuss surgical options.

2. Swelling, Redness, And Infection Symptoms

If your ingrown toenail has led to noticeable swelling and redness around the affected area, it’s a strong indicator that an infection might develop. Infected ingrown toenails often become warm to the touch, and you might notice pus or fluid drainage from the site.

These infection symptoms can worsen if not treated, potentially leading to more severe health complications. If antibiotics don’t resolve the infection or if it keeps recurring, ingrown toenail surgery may be required to remove the source of the problem and prevent further infections. Surgery can help eliminate the ingrown portion of the toenail and promote healing, reducing the likelihood of future infections.

3. Difficulty Walking Or Bearing Weight On Your Foot

An ingrown toenail not addressed may cause significant discomfort when walking or putting weight on the affected foot. If you experience pain or tenderness when walking, standing, or even just touching the toe, this could signal that the toenail is causing pressure on the surrounding tissues.

When foot pain management becomes challenging due to an ingrown toenail, it may be necessary to seek professional help. If conservative treatments are not enough to restore comfort and mobility, surgery can remove the offending part of the nail and reduce the pain, allowing you to return to normal activity.

4. Recurrent Ingrown Toenails

If your ingrown toenail keeps returning despite repeated attempts to treat it, ingrown toenail surgery may be your best long-term solution. Recurring ingrown toenail symptoms suggest that the toenail’s growth pattern is abnormal or that previous treatments haven’t effectively addressed the root cause.

Sometimes, the nail matrix (the root of the toenail) is malformed or too large, repeatedly causing the toenail to grow inwards. In these cases, surgical procedures like matrixectomy, which involves removing part of the nail bed, can help prevent the toenail from growing back in an ingrown fashion.

5. Thickening Or Discolouration Of The Toenail

If you notice that the toenail is becoming thicker, discoloured, or developing irregular shapes, this could be a sign that the ingrown toenail is progressing into a more complicated issue, possibly related to toenail fungus or other nail disorders.

A thickened toenail often indicates that the nail is growing in a way that it shouldn’t and may be more prone to becoming ingrown. Discolouration could suggest the presence of toenail fungus, further complicating the condition. If these issues persist, ingrown toenail removal may be necessary to remove both the problematic toenail and any underlying fungal infection.

6. Bleeding Or Pus Discharge

Another key sign you need ingrown toenail surgery is bleeding or pus discharge. This occurs when the toenail becomes so embedded in the skin that it damages tissue or opens the skin. The presence of blood or pus indicates that the toe is infected, and immediate treatment is needed to prevent further complications.

If bleeding or pus is persistent, surgical intervention is often required to clean the area and remove the ingrown toenail, allowing the skin to heal properly. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other foot areas, leading to more severe systemic complications.

7. Toenail Fungus Or Other Nail Disorders

Toenail fungus can sometimes complicate an ingrown toenail, especially if the toenail is repeatedly irritated or the toe is exposed to moisture. It can cause the toenail to become thick, brittle, and discoloured, making the ingrown nail harder to treat with topical remedies alone.

If you’re experiencing both an ingrown toenail and signs of a fungal infection, it may be necessary to address both issues with a combination of fungus cure and ingrown toenail removal. Your podiatrist may recommend antifungal treatments in conjunction with surgery to treat the condition comprehensively.

8. Absence Of Improvement With Non-Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be the next logical step if you’ve already tried conservative treatments like home remedies, warm foot soaks, topical ointments, or oral medications and still see no improvement. In many cases, non-surgical treatments can offer temporary relief, but if the condition worsens or fails to heal, you should consider a more permanent solution.

A podiatrist can evaluate your condition to determine if surgery is necessary. Ingrown toenail surgery is highly effective at addressing the root cause of the issue and providing long-lasting relief.

9. Inability To Trim Or Care For The Toenail Properly

If the ingrown toenail is located in a place that is difficult to reach or trim properly, or if you’re unable to perform proper foot care due to pain, it may be time to seek professional help. Poor foot care due to a problematic toenail can lead to further complications, including infections or worsening pain.

A podiatrist can safely and professionally remove the ingrown toenail, preventing further problems and ensuring that your toenails are properly cared for.

Proactive Wellbeing Clinic- Podiatrist Who Helps You Prevent Future Ingrown Toenails

At Proactive Wellbeing Clinic, we believe that preventing future ingrown toenails is just as important as treating the current problem. After your treatment or surgery, our experts offer a range of services to help you avoid recurring issues:

• Toenail fungus diagnosis and treatment: Toenail fungus can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. We offer comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatments for fungal infections, ensuring that your toenails remain healthy.
• Proper foot care education: It is one of the most critical factors in preventing ingrown toenails. We can show you how to trim your toenails correctly, wear appropriate footwear, and keep your feet clean and dry to avoid irritation.
• Custom orthotics: If you suffer from poor foot alignment or wear shoes that pressure your toes, custom orthotics can help. These devices provide better support and reduce the risk of foot pain management issues caused by ingrown toenails.
• Follow-up care: We offer follow-up appointments to ensure that your toenails heal appropriately after surgery and that your feet remain in top condition.

To schedule your consultation, contact our podiatrist at 01634 723 600 or email us at . Take the first step toward pain-free, healthy feet!