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Ingrown toenail causing redness and swelling on the toe

Ingrown Toenails – Your Questions Answered by Our Expert Podiatrist

If you’ve ever experienced the pain of an ingrown toenail, you’re not alone. This common foot condition can cause significant discomfort, redness, and even infection if left untreated. At Leading Edge Podiatry, we regularly treat ingrown toenails using both conservative and surgical approaches, depending on severity.

Below, our podiatry team answers the most frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails.

1. What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly on the big toe. This can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection.

Close-up of an inflamed ingrown toenail

2. What causes ingrown toenails?

  • Improper nail trimming (cutting too short or rounding the edges)
  • Tight or poorly fitted footwear
  • Repetitive pressure or trauma to the toe
  • Genetic nail shape
  • Fungal infections or thickened nails

3. What are the early signs of an ingrown toenail?

Symptoms of ingrown toenail including pain, swelling, and infection

  • Tenderness along the nail edge
  • Redness and mild swelling
  • Increased sensitivity when wearing shoes
  • Pain when pressure is applied to the toe

Early treatment can help prevent infection and worsening symptoms.

4. Can ingrown toenails get infected?

Yes. If left untreated, bacteria can enter broken skin around the nail, leading to infection.

Signs of infection include:

  • Pus or discharge
  • Increasing redness
  • Throbbing pain
  • Warmth around the toe

At Leading Edge Podiatry, our senior podiatrist Jason Kuang is endorsed for scheduled medicines, allowing him to prescribe antibiotics when clinically appropriate to support faster recovery.

5. How can a podiatrist treat an ingrown toenail?

Podiatrist treating an ingrown toenail in a clinical setting

  • Careful removal of the offending nail edge
  • Antibiotics if infection is present
  • Nail bracing (e.g. Onyfix) for non-surgical correction
  • Partial or total nail removal in recurrent cases

6. Do I need surgery for an ingrown toenail?

Not always. Many cases respond well to conservative treatment.

However, if the condition is recurrent or severe, a minor procedure such as a partial nail avulsion may be recommended. This is a quick and effective option with minimal downtime.

7. Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?

Minor surgical procedure for ingrown toenail removal performed by podiatrist

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so it is generally pain-free. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during recovery and can walk immediately afterward.

8. How can I prevent ingrown toenails from coming back?

  • Cut nails straight across (not curved)
  • Avoid overly short nail trimming
  • Wear properly fitted footwear
  • See a podiatrist regularly if prone to recurrence

9. Can children or teenagers get ingrown toenails?

Yes. Ingrown toenails are common in teenagers due to rapid growth, sports activity, and tight school shoes. We provide gentle, age-appropriate care for younger patients.

10. When should I see a podiatrist?

  • Pain persists or worsens
  • Signs of infection are present
  • Home treatments are not effective
  • You have diabetes or circulation issues (urgent assessment recommended)

👣 Get Expert Help

At Leading Edge Podiatry, we provide prompt, gentle, and effective treatment for ingrown toenails—from conservative care to permanent surgical solutions.

Ready to take the next step?
📞 Call 08 7120 6063
📍 Visit our clinic or contact us to book an appointment today

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