Ingrown Toenails
Providing Expert Podiatry Care in Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, and Hassocks
At Burgess Hill Podiatry, we understand that foot problems can significantly impact your daily life. One common condition that many people experience is an ingrown toenail. If you’re dealing with the discomfort and pain of an ingrown toenail, we can provide expert care and help you find relief. We proudly serve the communities of Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, and Hassocks, offering comprehensive podiatric services to promote the health and well-being of your feet.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling and, potentially, leading to infection. This condition most commonly affects the big toe but can also occur in other toes. Ingrown toenails can be caused by various factors, including:
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- Improper nail trimming: Cutting the nails too short can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Tight-fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that squeeze the toes or put pressure on the nails can increase the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails.
- Injury or trauma: Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on your foot can damage the nail, making it more prone to ingrowth.
- Genetics: Some people may inherit a tendency to develop ingrown toenails.
Treatment options for ingrown toenails may include:
- Â Conservative measures: In mild cases, conservative treatments can be effective. This may involve gently lifting the ingrown edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton wool under the nail to encourage proper growth.
- Partial nail avulsion: In more severe cases or when conservative measures fail, a partial nail avulsion procedure may be recommended. This procedure involves removing a portion of the nail or the entire nail to alleviate the ingrowth and prevent future recurrences. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
- Preventive care: Our podiatrists will also provide guidance on proper nail trimming techniques, suitable footwear, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of future ingrown toenails.