Ingrown Nails Treatment
Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Ashford & Folkestone
What are ingrown toenails?
An ingrown toenail can be incredibly painful and, if left untreated, often leads to infection. At East Kent Foot Care, we provide both immediate relief and permanent solutions to stop the pain from returning.
Our Treatment Options
We tailor our approach based on the severity of your condition:
Conservative Management: For less severe cases, we can professionally clear the nail edge and provide immediate comfort without surgery.
Nail Surgery (PNA): For recurring or severe infections, we perform Partial Nail Avulsion under local anaesthetic. This involves removing a small section of the nail and applying a chemical (phenol) to prevent that piece from ever growing back.
What to Expect During Surgery
Painless Procedure: We use a local anaesthetic to completely numb the toe.
Permanent Results: The chemical application ensures a 95% success rate in preventing regrowth.
Quick Recovery: Most patients return to work or school within 24–48 hours.
7 Causes of ingrowing toenails
Improper nail cutting
Rounding the edges or cutting nails too short encourages the nail to grow into the skin.
Tight or ill-fitting shoes
Shoes that squeeze the toes (especially high heels or narrow styles) can push the nail into the surrounding skin.
Toe trauma
Injuries like stubbing your toe, dropping something on it, or repetitive pressure from sports can trigger ingrowth.
Genetic predisposition
Some people inherit nail shapes or curvatures that make ingrown nails more likely.
Foot deformities
Conditions like bunions, hammer toes, or excessive pronation can alter nail growth and pressure patterns.
Poor posture or gait
The way you stand or walk may increase pressure on the toes, contributing to nail embedding.
Sweaty feet or poor hygiene
Moist environments soften the skin and make it easier for nails to pierce the tissue.
Nail Surgery FAQs
What to Expect
After an assessment for suitability for this procedure, two local anaesthetic injections will be injected into the toe/toe’s so as you wont feel pain during the procedure.
After a few minutes the toe/toe’s will be numb, The anaesthetic makes the procedure pain free.
The toe is cleaned with a disinfectant and a small tourniquet is used and either a portion of the nail or the whole nail will be removed.
A chemical (phenol) will be applied to prevent the troublesome nail regrowing (95% success).
The toe is then dressed with a large sterile bandage to protect the area.
After the procedure you are required to rest and take pain relief (if required).
This procedure takes around one hour. You can walk normally afterwards but are required to bring flip flops, and cannot drive for 24 hours.
How painful is it afterwards?
Most patients report that they do not need pain relief medication following this procedure, however some people may experience mild symptoms. If the toe is painful it is advisable to take over-the -counter pain relief such as Paracetamol. Do not take anything which contains anti-coagulant medication such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen.
Tips to Stay Comfortable
- Elevate your foot when resting to reduce pressure and swelling.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
- Follow your podiatrist’s dressing and cleaning instructions carefully.
Are there any risks involved?
This procedure is considered a safe and effective way to treat in growing toe nails. Like any procedure there are minor risks involved which your podiatrist will discuss with you during the assessment and when gaining formal consent prior to booking this procedure.
What to expect after nail surgery
First 24 hours:
You may feel a dull ache or mild throbbing as sensation returns. This is usually well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol. Most people do not require stronger medication.
48 hours onward:
Discomfort tends to ease significantly. You might notice some weeping or tenderness around the site, especially if phenol was used to prevent regrowth.
Pain triggers:
Tight footwear, walking long distances, or knocking the toe can increase soreness. Wearing loose shoes and keeping the dressing dry helps minimize irritation.
Signs to watch for:
If pain worsens, becomes sharp, or is accompanied by redness, swelling, or pus, it could indicate infection. In that case, contact your podiatrist promptly.
Not sure if your toe is infected?
OUR LOCATIONS
Find a clinic
Ingrown toenail assessments are available at Evegate and Folkestone clinics. Surgery is carried out at Evegate only.
call us
01233 234880
Email Us
reception@eastkentfootcare.co.uk
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 08:30 AM - 16:45 PM
Sat-Sun Closed
Visit Us
1-2 Hembrow Evegate Business Park Smeeth Kent TN25 6SX
call us
01233 234880
Email Us
reception@eastkentfootcare.co.uk
Opening Hours
Tuesdays only
08.30 AM - 16.30 PM
Visit Us
The Annexe, 26 Cheriton Gardens Folkestone Kent CT20 2AS