Recurring Ingrowing Toenails:

When Is Nail Surgery the Right Solution?

Ingrowing toenails can be painful, frustrating and, for some people, a problem that keeps coming back. While conservative treatment can often settle an ingrowing nail, repeated episodes may indicate that a more permanent solution should be considered.

At British Foot Care Group, we assess the cause and severity of recurring ingrowing nails and discuss the treatment options available, including nail surgery where clinically appropriate.

Why Do Ingrowing Toenails Keep Coming Back?

An ingrowing toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail presses into or breaks the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and inflammation and, in some cases, infection.

Recurring problems can be associated with:

• Naturally curved or involuted nails

• Incorrect nail cutting

• Tight or poorly fitting footwear

• Trauma or repeated pressure on the toe

• Previous damage to the nail

• Picking or tearing the nail edges

• A persistent nail spike

• The natural shape and growth pattern of the nail

Removing the troublesome nail edge can provide relief, but if the nail continues to grow back in the same way, the problem may return.

When Should Nail Surgery Be Considered?

Nail surgery may be recommended when an ingrowing toenail is recurrent, persistently painful or repeatedly becoming inflamed or infected, or when conservative treatment has not provided a lasting solution.

The aim is not simply to settle the current episode but to address the section of nail responsible for the repeated problem.

What Happens During Nail Surgery?

Nail surgery is generally a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic, so the toe is numb during treatment.

Depending on the individual nail, the clinician may recommend removing only the problematic side of the nail (partial nail avulsion) or, less commonly, the whole nail (total nail avulsion).

Where appropriate, a chemical such as phenol may be applied to the nail matrix to reduce the likelihood of the problematic section growing back.

Removing only a small section of the nail often means that the remaining nail can continue to provide a good cosmetic appearance while eliminating the troublesome edge.

What Happens Afterwards?

A dressing is applied following the procedure, and you will receive advice about looking after the toe during healing. Follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor the wound and change dressings where required.

Healing time varies from person to person and depends on the procedure performed, general health and how the toe responds during recovery.

Don't Put Up With a Recurring Ingrowing Nail

If you repeatedly need the same ingrowing nail treated, it may be worth considering whether nail surgery could provide a longer-term solution.

Early assessment is particularly important if you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge, significant pain or other signs of infection, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation or other medical conditions affecting your feet.

At British Foot Care Group, we can assess your nail, discuss conservative options and, where appropriate, determine whether nail surgery is suitable for you.

Book an Ingrowing Toenail Assessment

If your ingrowing toenail keeps coming back, arrange an assessment and find out what treatment options may be suitable for you.

British Foot Care Group

Professional foot care with treatment tailored to you.