What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
There is usually more than one contributing factor. Some people are simply more prone to ingrown toenails because of the shape of their nails, while others develop them because of pressure, trauma or poor nail cutting habits. The most common contributors we see in clinic are:
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Incorrect nail trimming: Cutting nails too short or cutting down the corners is one of the biggest causes. This leaves a sharp nail spike that can grow into the skin as the nail continues forward.
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Tight footwear: Shoes that are too narrow or too shallow compress the toes and increase pressure at the nail edges. Common in school shoes, work boots, football boots and some running shoes.
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Trauma: Stubbing the toe, dropping something on the nail, or repetitive pressure from sport can change the shape of the nail. Once the nail becomes split, thickened or distorted, it is more likely to grow into the skin.
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Naturally curved or wide nails: Some nails simply have a stronger curve or wider shape than the toe can comfortably accommodate. These patients often get recurrent ingrown nails even if they trim them well.
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Fungal nail changes: Thickened or distorted nails caused by fungal infection can increase the chance of the nail pushing into the surrounding skin.
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Sweaty feet and prolonged shoe wear: When feet are warm and moist for long periods, the skin around the nails can soften, making it easier for the nail edge to break through.
Symptoms and When to Seek Help
If your toe is sore, swollen, or red along the nail edge, it may already be ingrown.
Typical symptoms include:
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Pain and tenderness along the side of the nail
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Redness, swelling, or warmth around the area
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Discharge, bleeding, or yellow pus
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Overgrown tissue forming around the nail
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Pain when wearing shoes or applying pressure
If pain, swelling, or discharge are worsening, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Early treatment prevents infection and makes recovery faster.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails at My Family Podiatry
Conservative Care for Immediate Relief
Many ingrown toenails can be treated gently and without surgery. We carefully lift and remove the offending nail edge to reduce pressure and pain.
Our conservative care includes:
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Gentle lift and removal of the offending nail spicule
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Local antiseptic clean and sterile dressing
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Padding or offloading to reduce pressure
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Advice on nail cutting, footwear, and salt water bathing
This is suitable for first-time or mild cases and provides immediate relief for most patients.
Permanent Solution for Recurring Ingrown Nails
When ingrown nails keep returning, or infection is severe, we offer a permanent fix with a Partial Nail Avulsion procedure.
This involves:
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Local anaesthetic to fully numb the toe
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Precise removal of the affected side of the nail
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Application of a chemical (phenol) to stop regrowth of that nail edge
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No stitches, quick recovery with minimal downtime
It’s ideal for chronic, infected, or repeatedly recurring ingrown nails and has a very high success rate.
We will always start with the least invasive option and only recommend surgery if it is the best way to stop the problem coming back.
Aftercare and Recovery
You can walk immediately after treatment.
We recommend:
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Wearing open-toed or wide shoes for comfort
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Keeping the dressing dry for the first 24 hours
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Monitoring for signs of infection such as redness or discharge
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Returning for a review appointment as advised
You can expect most discomfort to settle within a few days.
Why Choose Us in Albany Creek
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Same - day relief available where possible
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Permanent procedures offered when needed
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Experienced podiatrists in family and sports foot care
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Convenient location with easy parking
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Servicing Albany Creek, Eatons Hill, Warner, Strathpine and surrounding suburbs of North Brisbane
Who Should Seek Treatment Early?
Anyone with an ingrown toenail should seek care if it is painful, swollen or infected, but early treatment is especially important for people with diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, immune system compromise, or any significant redness, swelling or discharge. These patients are at greater risk of complications and should avoid trying to manage an infected nail at home.
NEED SOME MORE INFORMATION?
It’s not always easy knowing who to contact about your foot issues. All you know is that you want relief from your pain.
Podiatrists are trained to assess and treat injuries and issues with the feet, ankles and legs. If you enter your details into the form, one of our team will contact you to discuss your current problem and how My Family Podiatry may be able to help you.
Alternatively, call us on (07) 3088 6116 to speak with one of our team.