Ingrown Toenail Treatment with Your Local Ingrown Nail Podiatrist in Albany Creek

An ingrown toenail can start as a mild irritation but quickly turn into one of the most painful conditions we see in clinic. At My Family Podiatry, your trusted ingrown nail podiatrist in Albany Creek, we treat everything from mild infections to chronic, recurring cases that never seem to heal on their own.

At My Family Podiatry, we help patients manage these nails permanently using a safe, in-clinic procedure called a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA). Our team performs this procedure in our Albany Creek clinic using sterile technique and modern anaesthetics for your comfort and safety.

Why Ingrown Toenails Occur

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight out. This usually happens because of:

• Nail cutting that leaves sharp edges or corners

• Tight or narrow shoes compressing the nail edge

• Repeated trauma such as kicking or stubbing the toe

• Natural nail shape that curves more than normal

• Genetic factors that cause the nail plate to be thick or wide

The body reacts as if the nail is a foreign object. The skin becomes red, swollen, and painful, and infection can set in quickly.

Conservative Care: The First Step

For mild or early cases, conservative care is often all that is needed. This may include:

• Careful trimming of the nail to relieve pressure

• Debridement of the nail edge and surrounding callus

• Foot soaks and antiseptic dressings

• Padding to protect the toe while it heals

These measures can help temporarily, but if the nail keeps growing into the skin, you may find yourself repeating the same process over and over.

When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough

If your ingrown toenail continues to cause pain, infection, or swelling despite regular care, a Permanent Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) may be recommended. This minor surgical procedure removes the problematic edge of the nail so it can no longer grow inward.

What to Expect During a PNA

The procedure is performed in-clinic under a local anaesthetic. Once the area is numb, we remove only the affected portion of the nail and apply a chemical called phenol to the base of the nail to stop regrowth on that side.

The entire procedure usually takes about 45 minutes. There are no stitches, and recovery is straightforward with minimal downtime. Most people can return to work or school the next day.

Aftercare and Healing

After the procedure, the toe is dressed, and you’ll receive full written aftercare instructions.

We’ll review the healing progress over the following weeks. Most patients experience:

• Mild tenderness for a few days

• Clear fluid drainage for one to two weeks

• A thin, smooth nail edge once healed

We do not bulk bill GP care plans for this procedure, as it involves a surgical component and sterile setup.

Why Permanent Treatment Works

By removing the root cause, the curved or problematic nail edge, PNA eliminates the chance of future ingrowth on that side. It is a permanent, low-risk solution for what can otherwise become a chronic and painful problem.

When to Seek Help

If your toenail is red, swollen, infected, or painful to touch, book an appointment before it worsens. Early treatment is always easier and less invasive. If you live in Albany Creek or surrounding suburbs, our podiatrists are here to provide expert ingrown nail treatment and lasting relief.

Book your appointment with My Family Podiatry today and let our team help you walk pain free again.

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