Problematic Nails

Most people with problematic toenails suffer from ingrowing or curved nails. Ingrowing toenails happen when a piece of nail presses into the skin of the toe.  ​It is most common in big toes but can also affect the smaller toes. Ingrowing nails can be extremely painful and can bleed,  become inflamed or infected. 

​Not all painful toes are caused by ingrowing toenails piercing the skin. ​Nails that are very curved (involuted) can be just as painful. Sometimes the nails can be cut in a specific way to relieve the pressure. In addition, a painless nail correction system, called Onyfix may be applied to try and ‘retrain’ the nail to stop curving.

Pain may also be caused by thickened nails, or even a corn under the nail. Patients who have had unsuccessful nail surgery in the past may benefit from a corrective nail surgery procedure. Sometimes this involves removal of some of the skin rather than the nail. This type of surgery is undertaken by a podiatrist with specialist additional training.

Treatment options vary from person to person depending on a number of factors. For some people a single treatment can alleviate the symptoms and some may require regular help with cutting the nails. Nail resection to provide immediate relief, can be done during new patient appointments and routine podiatry appointments. For people with ingrowing painful nails, or who have recurrent problems, nail surgery to remove an aspect of the nail, provides a long term solution.

See below for suitable appointment types to help you treat Problematic Nails.

What appointments are suitable for treating problematic nails?

  • This is the first appointment for all patients with podiatry (chiropody) concerns. Personalised advice and most routine care such as treatment for thickened nails, curved or ingrowing nails, will start during this appointment. Some people may only require this one appointment. Some people may need a number of appointments to resolve the problem, or for ongoing care.

  • This is a follow up appointment for people who have attended a ‘New Patient Podiatry/ Chiropody’ within the last twelve months. People who require a few follow up appointments, or regular help for treatment or prevention of nail problems, should book this appointment.

  • This appointment is for the pain free application of a composite band to straighten curved painful nails. The nail correction system is designed to ‘retrain’ the shape of the nail as it grows.

  • This appointment is for the application of UV sculpting gel designed to reshape toenails and disguise discolouration. Designed specifically for toenails, this treatment is suitable for most people, including diabetic patients.

  • Nail surgery under local anaesthetic to remove all or part of a problematic nail. This appointment can not be booked online. Please contact the clinic if you would like more information about nail surgery, or to book an appointment.

  • Advanced nail surgery carried out under local anaesthetic. This appointment is suitable for patients with longstanding misshapen nails, which may be as a result of trauma or an unsuccessful nail surgery in the past.

    This type of surgery can only be performed by a practitioner with additional training in minor surgery.

    To find out more about this type or to book an appointment, please contact the clinic.