Ingrown Toenails: Relief and Treatment for Painful Nails

If you’ve ever experienced the sharp, throbbing pain of an ingrown toenail, you know how much it can affect your daily life. What starts as mild discomfort can quickly become a significant problem that makes walking, wearing shoes, or even sleeping difficult. At InStep Podiatry, we see ingrown toenails frequently, and the good news is that with the right treatment, you can find lasting relief and get back on your feet comfortably.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the soft skin beside it. This most commonly affects the big toe, though it can happen on any toe. As the nail digs into the skin, it causes pain, swelling, and redness. If left untreated, the area can become infected, leading to more serious complications.

The condition can range from mild, where you notice some tenderness along the nail edge, to severe, where the toe becomes swollen, produces discharge, and causes significant pain with every step.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails develop for several reasons, and understanding these causes can help you prevent future occurrences. One of the most common causes is improper nail trimming. Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the surrounding skin rather than straight across.

Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow puts pressure on your toes and pushes the nail into the skin. This is particularly common with pointed shoes or footwear that crowds the toe box. Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, can also trigger an ingrown nail. Some people are simply more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nails, which may be more curved or fan-shaped. Conditions that affect circulation or cause thickened nails can increase your risk as well.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

The early signs of an ingrown toenail are usually hard to miss. You might notice tenderness along one or both sides of the nail, particularly when pressure is applied. The skin next to the nail often becomes red and swollen, and the area may feel warm to the touch.

As the condition progresses, the pain typically intensifies. You may find it uncomfortable to wear closed shoes or socks, and even the weight of bed sheets can cause discomfort. In more advanced cases, the skin may grow over part of the nail, and you might see pus or fluid draining from the area. If you notice any signs of infection, such as increasing redness that spreads beyond the toe, fever, or severe pain, it’s important to seek treatment promptly.

How We Diagnose Ingrown Toenails

When you visit InStep Podiatry with a suspected ingrown toenail, our podiatrists will conduct a thorough examination of your toe. We assess the severity of the ingrown nail, check for signs of infection, and evaluate the overall health of your feet. We’ll also ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and any previous episodes of ingrown toenails.

This assessment helps us determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific situation. We’ll also look at factors that may have contributed to the problem, such as your footwear choices and nail care habits, so we can provide guidance on preventing future occurrences.

Treatment Options

The treatment for an ingrown toenail depends on how severe the condition is and whether infection is present. Our team at InStep Podiatry offers several effective options to relieve your pain and resolve the problem.

Conservative Care: For mild ingrown toenails without infection, we may be able to gently lift the nail edge and place a small splint or cotton underneath to encourage the nail to grow above the skin. We’ll also provide guidance on proper nail care and footwear to support healing.

Partial Nail Removal: When the ingrown nail is more established or infected, removing the affected portion of the nail provides immediate relief. This is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during treatment. The toe typically heals within a few weeks.

Permanent Nail Surgery: For recurring ingrown toenails, we may recommend a procedure that permanently prevents the problem from returning. This involves removing the troublesome portion of the nail and applying a chemical to the nail matrix to stop that section from growing back. This is an excellent long-term solution for people who experience repeated ingrown toenails.

Infection Management: If your ingrown toenail has become infected, we’ll address the infection as part of your treatment. This may include draining any abscess, cleaning the area thoroughly, and providing advice on wound care. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from ingrown toenail treatment is generally straightforward, though it varies depending on the procedure performed. After conservative treatment, you should notice improvement within a few days as the nail grows out properly.

Following nail surgery, most people experience minimal discomfort once the local anaesthetic wears off, and over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions on caring for your toe at home, including how to keep the area clean and when to change dressings. Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and swimming until the area has healed

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

While some people are more prone to ingrown toenails than others, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Trim your toenails straight across rather than rounding the corners, and avoid cutting them too short. The nail should be roughly level with the tip of your toe.

Choose footwear that gives your toes adequate room to move. Shoes that squeeze your toes together can push nails into the surrounding skin over time. If you work in an environment where your feet are at risk of injury, wear protective footwear. Keep your feet clean and dry, and inspect your toenails regularly so you can catch any early signs of an ingrown nail before it becomes problematic.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should seek professional care if your ingrown toenail is causing significant pain, shows signs of infection such as pus or spreading redness, or if you’ve tried home care without improvement. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or other conditions that affect healing should see a podiatrist at the first sign of an ingrown toenail, as complications can develop more quickly.

If you experience recurring ingrown toenails, it’s worth having a conversation about permanent treatment options that can provide lasting relief.

Your Trusted Podiatry Team in Far North Queensland

At InStep Podiatry, we’ve helped patients across Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, and the Atherton Tablelands find relief from painful ingrown toenails. Whether you’re dealing with your first ingrown nail or struggling with a recurring problem, our experienced team is here to provide gentle, effective treatment tailored to your needs.

Don’t let an ingrown toenail hold you back. Book an appointment with InStep Podiatry today and take the first step towards comfortable, pain-free feet.