Walk Comfortably Again Without The Pain Of Ingrown Nails

Assessing an ingrown toenail involves a careful physical examination by a podiatrist. They will check for signs like redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail.

Additionally, the podiatrist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any activities that could have injured the toenail. This information helps pinpoint contributing factors and gauge the condition’s severity.

A detailed evaluation allows the podiatrist to recommend appropriate next steps and tailor a care plan that aligns with your individual needs.

Here in Singapore, various options to manage ingrown toenails are available, ranging from temporary pain relief to long-term care. Considering the causes and the likelihood of recurrence discussed earlier is essential before deciding on the best care.

Some support options include:

• Nail Spike Trim: Provides short-term pain relief.
• Nail Bracing: Helps correct the nail growth pattern.
• Antiseptic Foot Soak: Used to prevent infections.
• Wound Care: Necessary if there is active bleeding or discharge.
• Customised Foot Orthotics: Provides support and reduces pressure on the toenails.
• Nail avulsion: A surgical procedure used to manage severe or recurrent ingrown toenails. It involves the removal of part or the whole toenail to alleviate pain and prevent further issues. There are two main types of nail avulsion: Partial Nail Avulsion and Total Nail Avulsion.

Proper care after ingrown toenail surgery is essential for wellness and preventing complications.

Here are some dos and don’ts to follow:

• Rest and Elevate Your Foot: Try to reduce activity and keep your foot elevated to minimise swelling.
• Minimise High-Impact Activities: If activities are unavoidable, do not participate in those that put a lot of pressure on your toes.
• Keep It Clean: Follow your podiatrist’s instructions for cleaning and dressing the surgical site to prevent infection.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose open-toed shoes to avoid pressure on the toes. If you need to wear closed shoes, ensure they are loose-fitting.
• Be Cautious: Be careful not to bump or injure your toe to prevent further damage.
• Monitor Symptoms: If you notice increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your podiatrist promptly, as these could be signs of infection.
• Follow Up: Attend any follow-up appointments with your podiatrist to monitor the progress and address any concerns.

Following these guidelines can help support comfort and minimise complications after an ingrown toenail procedure.

For those who have experienced repeated episodes, here are some preventive measures you ought to take:

• Avoid tight-fitting footwear.
• Cut your nails straight across and not curved down the edges.
• Round off any sharp edges with a file after each trim.

• Infection: Using non-sterile tools and improper techniques can introduce bacteria, causing an infection.
• Increased Pain:Digging out the toenail can be very painful and may worsen the condition.
• Damage: You risk damaging the surrounding skin and nail bed, which can worsen the problem.

Instead of trying to dig out the ingrown toenail yourself, it is best to seek professional help. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown toenail, providing relief and preventing further complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, contact us for proper care and management.