An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail becomes inflamed, either through a nail spike or through infection of the nail border. It can cause pain, redness and swelling. It most often affects the big toe but can also affect the smaller toes, and it can make walking, sport and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Our podiatrists provide ingrown toenail treatment at our Gawler and Elizabeth Vale clinics every day, from simple in-clinic care to minor nail surgery for toenails that keep coming back.

What causes ingrown toenails?

• Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners
• Tight or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes
• Naturally curved or wide nails, which often run in families
• Stubbing or injuring the toe
• Sweaty feet, which soften the skin around the nail

Signs and symptoms

• Pain along the side of the nail, worse in shoes or when pressed
• Redness and swelling around the nail edge
• Pus, bleeding or extra tissue growing over the nail (signs of infection)

Ingrown toenail treatment in Gawler and Elizabeth Vale

We start by looking at the nail, the skin around it and your footwear, so we can work out why it is happening.

Mild cases can often be managed on the day in the clinic by removing the offending nail edge, and we’ll give you advice on nail care and footwear. Our podiatrists can also use a local anaesthetic if required. If the nail is likely to keep growing in, we may suggest Onyfix nail bracing, which gradually reshapes the nail without surgery, or a minor procedure called a partial nail avulsion.

Iona Millar holds an endorsement for scheduled medicines. Where it is clinically appropriate, she can prescribe certain medicines, such as antibiotics for an infected toe, without you needing a separate GP visit.

What to expect at your appointment

1. Our podiatrist numbs the toe with a local anaesthetic.
2. Our podiatrist removes the narrow strip of nail growing into the skin.
3. Our podiatrist applies chemical to the nail root so that edge does not grow back.
4. Our podiatrist dress the toe. The appointment takes about an hour, and you can walk out in comfortable, open shoes.

Recovery and aftercare

Not everyone needs a nail procedure. Sometimes one conservative treatment solves the problem, while other cases need several appointments. After nail surgery, the toe takes approximately 2 weeks to heal. Depending on your level of activity, most people are back to normal activities within a few days. We’ll explain how to dress the toe at home and book follow-up visits to check it is healing well.

Funding and referrals

No referral is needed. Private health extras may cover part of the cost. If you have a GP Chronic Disease Management plan, NDIS plan or WorkCover claim, let us know when booking.

Ingrown toenail treatment in Gawler: common questions

Does ingrown toenail surgery hurt?

The local anaesthetic injection stings briefly, but you should not feel the procedure itself. Most people manage afterwards with simple pain relief.

Will my toenail look different afterwards?

The nail is slightly narrower afterwards, but the part we remove was hidden under the skin, so many people can’t notice any change.

Can I go back to work the next day?

Most people can, especially if they can wear open or roomy shoes. We’ll give you advice for your job and sport.

What can I do at home until my appointment?

Soak the foot for 5 minutes in clean, salty water, then dry it really well. Apply an antiseptic such as Betadine and cover the toe with a dressing until you can see a podiatrist. If the redness is spreading, or you have diabetes or poor circulation, contact us promptly.

Book ingrown toenail treatment in Gawler or Elizabeth Vale

Book an appointment

Ingrown toenail treatment is available at our Gawler clinic (16 Adelaide Road) and Elizabeth Vale clinic (109 Haydown Road). A podiatrist needs to assess your toe before a nail procedure can be booked, although we can treat mild cases and provide some relief on the day. Book online or call us.