Cheshire Foot Clinic

Our Podiatrists Provide Expert Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Are you tired of dealing with the persistent pain of an ingrown toenail? Cheshire Foot Clinic in Knutsford can help. Whether you’re a busy professional, an athlete pushing your body to the limits, or someone who wants relief from discomfort, you can trust our expert podiatrists. We specialise in treating ingrown toenails effectively. Learn below everything you need to know about ingrown toenails, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention techniques. Then, call our team to begin your journey toward pain-free mobility.

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight out. This condition usually affects the big toe but can develop in any toenail. If you don’t do anything about it, an ingrown nail may become infected, causing additional pain and complications. While an ingrown toenail may seem minor, it can lead to significant discomfort and potentially impact your ability to walk, run, or perform everyday activities comfortably.

Recognising Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of an ingrown toenail early is vital for timely treatment. The sooner you recognise the following signs, the quicker you can seek help to prevent worsening symptoms: • Tenderness or pain along the sides of the nail • Swelling of the skin around the nail • Redness bordering the affected area • Hardening of the skin near the nail’s edges • Pus or infection .

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Understanding what leads to an ingrown toenail can help you avoid them in the future. Common ingrown toenail causes include:

  • Improper Nail Trimming – Trimming your nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage them to grow into surrounding skin.
  • Tight Shoes – Wearing footwear that pinches your toes creates unnecessary pressure on your nails.
  • Trauma or Injury – Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it can alter nail growth.
  • Genetics – Some people are predisposed to ingrown toenails due to inherited nail shapes.
  • Repetitive Stress – Activities such as running or playing sports frequently can increase your risk.

Who’s Most Likely to Develop Ingrown Toenails?

Being aware of risk factors can help you proactively avoid ingrown toenail growth. Certain groups are more likely to experience this condition. You’re at a higher risk than your peers if you fall into one or more of these categories:

  • Athletes – Involvement in high-impact activities like running or football increases risk.
  • Teenagers and Young Adults – As feet tend to perspire more in this age group, softened nails and skin are likely.
  • Diabetics – People with diabetes or poor circulation are at higher risk because reduced nerve function can reduce awareness of symptoms.
  • Tight Shoe Wearers – If you wear tight winter shoes for prolonged periods, you may develop ingrown toenails.

Our Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options

The positive side of ingrown toenails is they are completely treatable. At Cheshire Foot Clinic, we offer conservative and advanced treatment options to suit your needs.

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Conservative nail treatment to relieve pain and discomfort
  • Advice on footwear and how to trim nails to prevent recurrence
  • Regular nail care for those with recurrent problems reluctant to have nail surgery

Surgical Treatments

  • Partial Nail Removal – We can carefully remove the nail’s problematic area while leaving the rest intact, aiming for a good aesthetic result.
  • Total Nail Removal – Our podiatrists may entirely remove stubborn ingrown toenails:
    • Where this is temporary, we will assist with regrowth management
    • Occasionally we may permanently remove a nail which has become deformed and problematic

What to Expect Following Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Most patients experience immediate symptom relief following ingrown toenail treatment. Our team will guide you through the recovery process with step-by-step instructions so that you can confidently return to regular activities. As you recover, you can expect:

  • Reduced pain and swelling within a few days
  • To wear open-toed shoes for the first 24 hours
  • Receive a supply of easy to use dressings and instructions
  • Comprehensive follow-up care to ensure optimal healing and prevent recurrence

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Prevention is always better than cure. Whether you’re dealing with your first ingrown toenail or hoping to avoid future occurrences, we recommend the following to keep your feet healthy:

  • Trim Your Nails Properly – Cut your nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges or cutting them too short.
  • Choose Comfortable Footwear – Opt for shoes with a wide toe box that gives your toes room to move.
  • Maintain Foot Hygiene – Keep your feet clean and dry, especially if you’re active.
  • Monitor Footwear Pressure – During high-impact sports like running and hiking, limit the pressure you exert on your feet whenever possible.
  • See Our Specialists – Come to Cheshire Foot Clinic if you notice signs of an ingrown toenail or need expert advice.

Contact Cheshire Foot Clinic Today

Never ignore your ingrown toenail pain. The experienced podiatrists at Cheshire Foot Clinic will provide personalised care to quickly and effectively remedy your condition. We’re dedicated to getting you back on your feet comfortably, so contact us today to Book an Appointment

Chat to us about your problem or download a copy of our leaflet: 
Hanging by a Toe - A Guide to Ingrowing Toenails.