Ingrown
Toenail Care
at Foot Foundation
Painful, swollen, or infected toenails can interfere with everyday life, making even simple walking uncomfortable. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons people seek podiatry treatment.
At Foot Foundation, we provide a complete range of solutions—from conservative nail care and bracing systems to minor in-clinic surgery—helping patients achieve fast relief and prevent recurrence.
What are Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. The big toe is most commonly affected, though any toe can develop the condition.
Ingrown toenails may be mild, causing occasional irritation, or severe, with recurrent infections, pus, or overgrowth of skin tissue (granulation tissue). At Foot Foundation, we provide both conservative management and surgical correction, ensuring lasting relief.
Causes & Risk Factors
Improper nail cutting – cutting nails too short, curved, or at an angle
Tight or narrow footwear – crowding the toes and increasing pressure
Trauma – stubbing, sports injuries, or repetitive microtrauma
Sweaty feet or poor foot hygiene – softening skin and increasing nail penetration risk
Genetics – naturally curved or thickened nails
Bunions or toe deformities – increasing lateral pressure on the nail edge
Infection or systemic conditions – fungal nails, diabetes, vascular disease increasing risk of complications
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Conservative care – gentle trimming of offending nail edge, relief of pressure, sterile dressing, infection control
Nail bracing systems (Onyfix) – in suitable cases, to gradually correct nail growth without surgery
Custom orthotics or footwear advice – reducing pressure on toes and preventing recurrence
Minor surgery (Partial Nail Avulsion with sodium hydroxide):
Local anaesthetic performed in-clinic
Small section of nail removed to eliminate ingrown edge
Sodium hydroxide applied to prevent regrowth of offending portion
Fast recovery with high success rate and minimal recurrence
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
Redness, swelling, and localised inflammation
Infection: pus, bleeding, or overgrowth of granulation tissue
Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably
Recurrent or chronic pain despite self-care
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
History & clinical examination – identifying severity, recurrent history, and infection risk
Assessment of contributing factors – nail shape, footwear, biomechanics
Referral (if needed): for severe infections requiring antibiotics or systemic medical input
Ingrown Toenails – FAQs
They are most commonly caused by improper nail trimming, tight shoes, trauma, or genetic nail shape.
Yes. If untreated, they can cause infection, severe pain, and complications in people with diabetes or circulation problems.
Mild cases may improve with self-care, but persistent or infected cases usually require podiatry treatment.
Conservative care may include gentle trimming, padding, and dressings. Severe or recurrent cases may need nail surgery.
A partial nail avulsion is performed under local anaesthetic. The ingrown edge is removed, and sodium hydroxide prevents regrowth of that section.
No. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, and most patients report minimal post-procedure pain.
Most patients return to normal activity in 2–3 days, with full healing in 2–4 weeks.
Recurrence is rare but possible. At Foot Foundation, using sodium hydroxide significantly reduces regrowth risk.
Yes. Teenagers and children often develop ingrown toenails due to rapid growth, tight shoes, and sports activity.
If you have persistent pain, swelling, infection, or recurrent ingrown nails, podiatry assessment is essential.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist ingrown toenail care, offering both conservative and surgical options to suit your needs. Our team ensures fast relief, low recurrence rates, and expert follow-up care.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert toenail treatment is available across New Zealand.
