Ingrown Toenails - Why They Happen & When Nail Surgery is the Best Option

Ingrown toenails are painful, common, and often return if not treated properly. If you’ve ever experienced an inflamed nail edge, tenderness in shoes, or recurring infection, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be.

In this post, we cover what causes ingrown toenails, how to prevent them, and when nail surgery offers the best long-term solution.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail happens when the side of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. The big toe is most commonly affected.

When left untreated, the area can become swollen, infected, and extremely painful — especially when walking.

Causes of ingrown toenails

Ingrown nails can develop for several reasons, including:

• Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners

• Tight or narrow footwear

• Repeated pressure on the toe (sport or standing work)

• Nail trauma (stubbing the toe)

• Naturally curved or thickened nails

• Family history / nail shape genetics

Symptoms to look out for

Signs your toenail may be ingrown include:

• Pain and tenderness at the nail edge

• Redness and swelling

• Skin growing over the nail

• Discharge or infection

• Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

Can ingrown toenails be treated without surgery?

In mild cases, yes. Conservative podiatry treatment may include:

• Removing the painful nail spike

• Reducing inflammation

• Advice on nail trimming techniques

• Protective dressings and footwear guidance

However, if the problem keeps returning, nail surgery is often the most effective option.

What is ingrown toenail surgery?

Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic. Once the toe is numb, the podiatrist removes the painful section of nail (partial nail removal) — or occasionally the full nail if required.

A solution is then applied to stop that section regrowing, creating a permanent fix in many cases.

Is the procedure painful?

The anaesthetic injection can feel sharp for a few seconds, but after that the toe becomes numb and the procedure is generally painless.

Patients are usually surprised by how straightforward it is.

Recovery and aftercare

Healing is normally 2–4 weeks, depending on your health and circulation.

Aftercare involves:

• Keeping the dressing clean and dry

• Returning for redressing if required

• Following podiatrist guidance to reduce infection risk

Most people return to work quickly, depending on footwear needs and the job type.

When should you book an appointment?

We recommend seeing a podiatrist if:

• You have recurring ingrown nails

• There is infection or discharge

• You have diabetes or poor circulation

• The toe is swollen, painful or worsening

Ingrown nail treatment in Arnold

At Arnold Podiatry Clinic we provide both conservative care and nail surgery when needed — with clear aftercare advice to support a smooth recovery.