How does a podiatrist remove an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail might start as a minor nuisance, but it can quickly become painful, swollen, and even infected. It happens when the corner or side of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. If left untreated, it can worsen and disrupt your daily life.
At Podhills Podiatry, we regularly treat patients from Baulkham Hills and across Sydney with safe, professional ingrown toenail removal. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the causes, signs, and the full removal procedure a podiatrist performs—so you know what to expect and how to find relief.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Several everyday habits or conditions can trigger ingrown toenails:
Wearing tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes
Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges
Injuries, like stubbing your toe
Genetics, such as naturally curved nails
Health conditions, including diabetes or poor circulation
While mild cases might improve at home, stubborn or painful ingrown toenails should be assessed by a podiatrist to avoid infection or recurring issues.
How Does a Podiatrist Remove an Ingrown Toenail?
Initial Consultation & Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough examination of your toe. We’ll assess the severity of the ingrown nail, check for infection, and ask about your medical history. Photos or measurements may be taken to track progress.
Conservative Treatments (For Mild Cases)
If the ingrown toenail is mild and hasn’t caused infection, we may start with non-surgical options such as:
Lifting the nail edge and placing cotton or a splint underneath
Topical antibiotic ointments
Advice on correct nail-cutting and footwear
Nail bracing to guide proper nail growth
These treatments aim to relieve pressure and guide the nail to grow normally.
Minor Nail Surgery (For Moderate to Severe Cases)
When conservative methods don’t work, or the ingrown nail is infected or recurring, minor surgery may be required.
Here’s how the procedure works:
Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the toe, which ensures a painless procedure
The podiatrist performs a Partial Nail Avulsion, carefully trimming and removing the section of the nail growing into the skin.
If needed, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail root to prevent regrowth of the affected portion (this is called Phenolisation)
The procedure is done in-clinic, takes under 30 minutes, and requires no stitches.
It’s highly effective, safe, and often offers permanent relief.
Does It Hurt? What to Expect During the Procedure
The idea of nail surgery sounds intimidating, but don’t worry. The toe is numbed using a local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You might feel slight pressure or movement, but not pain.
Afterwards, you may experience mild soreness once the anaesthetic wears off. Most people report that the discomfort is far less than the pain they experienced from the ingrown toenail itself.
Aftercare and Healing Process
After your ingrown toenail procedure, your toe will be dressed and protected to minimise the risk of infection. Our team will provide step-by-step care instructions to follow at home.
Most patients experience mild soreness after the anaesthetic wears off, but this is manageable with simple over-the-counter medication. You’ll likely be able to walk comfortably and resume light duties within a day.
Full healing takes about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your case. We recommend keeping the area clean, dry, and elevated when possible. A follow-up appointment ensures your toe is healing as expected and gives you peace of mind.
Can It Come Back?
In some cases, especially when treated conservatively, ingrown toenails can return over time. Repeated irritation, improper nail trimming or tight shoes can trigger recurrence.
However, when a podiatrist performs a partial nail avulsion with phenolisation, the nail edge and root are treated to stop regrowth. This makes recurrence highly unlikely and offers long-term relief.
To prevent future problems, follow good nail-care habits: trim nails straight across, avoid digging into corners, and wear footwear with adequate toe space. For people with curved nails or a history of recurring ingrown nails, preventative treatment is often the most reliable solution.
Why Choose a Podiatrist for This?
Many people attempt to fix ingrown toenails at home or visit a GP, but podiatrists offer specialised, advanced care for nail and foot conditions. Here’s why choosing a podiatrist is a safer, smarter choice:
Expertise and experience: Podiatrists are specifically trained in nail and foot care, ensuring precise diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition’s severity and your health needs.
Sterile procedure and tools: Unlike DIY methods, podiatric procedures are done in a fully sanitised environment using sterile instruments, which drastically lowers the risk of infection or complications.
Permanent treatment options: Podiatrists can offer phenolisation during nail removal, helping prevent the nail from growing back and avoiding future discomfort or recurrence.
Personalised aftercare and prevention tips: Beyond treatment, podiatrists guide you on nail care, footwear, and prevention, keeping your feet healthy long after the procedure.
Conclusion
An ingrown toenail might seem small, but it can cause significant pain and lead to serious issues if ignored. Seeing a podiatrist early can stop the problem in its tracks, relieve your discomfort, and help you avoid future complications.
Whether it’s your first ingrown toenail or a recurring issue, professional help makes all the difference.
Book your appointment today with Podhills Podiatry, your trusted ingrown toenail removal experts in Baulkham Hills and Sydney. Experience the care, comfort, and confidence your feet deserve.