If you’ve got a painful, swollen or infected ingrowing toenail, you don’t need to “keep cutting it back” and hoping it settles. At the Foot, Knee & Back Clinic in Long Eaton, our podiatrists provide professional ingrowing toenail treatment and, when needed, minor nail surgery under local anaesthetic to stop the problem coming back.
Book online or call us to arrange an appointment.
An ingrowing toenail happens when the edge of the nail presses into, or pierces, the skin at the side of the toe. This often causes:
If there is pus, increasing redness, spreading heat, or you’re feeling unwell, get it assessed promptly.
Ingrowing nails usually develop from a mix of factors, including:
For early or mild cases, we may be able to settle symptoms without surgery by:
This often gives rapid relief, but if you’ve been stuck in the cut-back → regrowth → repeat pain cycle, surgery may be the best long-term solution.
Nail surgery is a straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthetic (you’re awake, but the toe is numb). We can treat one side of the nail, both sides, or the whole nail, depending on what’s needed.
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
Removes the painful side section of the nail (most common for ingrowing toenails).
Bilateral Partial Nail Avulsion
Removes both sides if the nail is ingrowing on both edges.
Total Nail Avulsion (TNA)
Removes the whole nail (used for selected cases such as severe thickening, deformity, or repeated problems).
Depending on your nail shape, history, and preferences, we’ll discuss:
Where appropriate, we commonly use a proven chemical technique to treat the nail root, so the troublesome section is far less likely to return.
During the procedure: No, the toe is fully numbed with local anaesthetic.
The injection: You will feel a brief sharp sting/burn for a few seconds.
Afterwards: Most people describe mild discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off, usually manageable with simple pain relief (e.g., paracetamol, if suitable for you).
We’ll talk you through everything and you can choose whether to watch or simply recline and relax.
We’ll take a short history and examine the toe, checking for infection, nail shape, and triggers (footwear, sport, nail cutting habits). We’ll confirm whether conservative care is suitable or whether nail surgery is the best option.
Aftercare is a key part of successful healing. We’ll arrange a review to:
Most patients need 2–4 visits, depending on the severity and whether the nail was infected:
We’ll give you a clear plan on day one, so you know exactly what’s happening and when.
Recovery varies, but as a general guide:
We’ll give personalised advice based on your work, sport and the procedure performed.
Nail surgery is most commonly used for ingrowing toenails (onychocryptosis), and may also be appropriate for:
For pricing, please see our Fees page or contact the clinic, and we’ll guide you.
Can an ingrowing toenail heal on its own?
Sometimes mild cases settle, but if the nail edge is embedded or repeatedly ingrowing, it often returns without professional treatment.
Will my nail look normal after surgery?
After partial nail surgery, the nail is usually slightly narrower once healed, but generally looks neat and natural.
What if my toe is infected?
We can still often treat it, but timing and approach depend on severity. We’ll assess it properly and advise on the safest plan.
Is nail surgery safe for people with diabetes or poor circulation?
It can be, but it must be assessed carefully. Please tell us your medical history and medications when booking.
If you’re struggling with a painful ingrowing toenail, don’t wait for it to worsen. Book online or call the clinic, and we’ll help you get comfortable quickly.
Foot, Knee and Back Clinic
76 Derby Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4LB
Tel: 0115 972 1111
Online booking is available.