Home Services Podiatry Ingrown Toe Nails / Nail Surgery

Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Head2Toe Physiotherapy and Podiatry

Clarity In Diagnosis. Confidence In Treatment

12-Week Prevention Program

Fast Pain Relief for Acute Injuries

Experts in Manual Therapy, Dry Needling and Exercise

Book Online 03 9326 0168

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing redness, swelling, and discomfort. At Head2Toe, our podiatrists are skilled in treating both simple and complex ingrown nails with care and precision, helping you get back on your feet—pain-free.

Ingrown toenails can be incredibly painful and, if left untreated, may lead to infection and further complications—especially for people with diabetes, poor circulation, or a history of foot issues.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Pain or tenderness along the side of the toenail
Redness, swelling, or warmth around the nail
Skin growing over part of the nail
Discharge or signs of infection (pus, odour)
Difficulty wearing shoes or walking
Repeated episodes or ongoing irritation

Causes / Why It Happens

Improper nail cutting (e.g., cutting nails too short or rounded)
Tight or poorly fitted footwear
Injury or trauma to the toe
Curved or thickened nails (often hereditary)
Excessive sweating or poor foot hygiene
Repetitive pressure on the toes (e.g., running, soccer, dancing)

If untreated, they can lead to more serious infections, abscesses, or the need for surgical intervention.

Expert podiatrists with extensive experience in nail procedures

Same-day relief with in-clinic conservative or minor surgical treatment

Sterile tools and infection control protocols for your safety

Options for both conservative care and nail surgery under local anaesthetic

We welcome NDIS, DVA, Medicare CDM, and private patients

Clinics located conveniently in Brunswick and Moonee Ponds

Trusted by local GPs and returning patients alike

How We Treat It

Treatment is tailored to your needs and the severity of the ingrown nail:

Conservative care: Removal of nail spike causing the injury, nail trimming, cleansing, and offloading pressure from the area
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA): A minor surgical procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail under local anaesthetic
Phenolisation: To prevent regrowth of the problematic nail edge (when indicated)
Wound care and dressing advice: To prevent infection and promote healing
Footwear and nail-cutting guidance: To reduce recurrence

What to Expect in Your Appointment

Your initial appointment includes a detailed assessment of your nails and the affected toe. We’ll:

Identify whether conservative or surgical care is appropriate
Clean and treat the area to reduce pain and inflammation
Explain all your treatment options clearly, including recovery time
Provide home care advice and follow-up as needed
If surgical treatment is chosen, this is typically performed painlessly in-clinic under local anaesthetic

Highlight Patient Types

Children
Teens
Adults
Elderly

Ingrown toenails can affect anyone—from children wearing tight shoes to older adults experiencing nail changes. What may start as a minor irritation can quickly become painful and lead to serious complications. Don’t wait for it to heal on its own—delaying treatment only makes it worse.

Book your appointment at Head2Toe Physiotherapy and Podiatry today and get expert care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the treatment hurt?

No – conservative care is gentle, and for minor surgery, we use local anaesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout.

Will the nail grow back after surgery?

In most cases, the phenol successfully prevents the treated part of the nail from growing back. However, in a small number of cases, a thin or partial regrowth can occur if the nail root isn’t fully destroyed. If this happens, the nail edge may still cause problems and a repeat procedure may be required.

How long does recovery take?

Most people return to normal activities within a few days after minor nail surgery, though full healing may take a few weeks.

Can I walk after surgery?

Yes, walking is permitted after the procedure; however, you may experience temporary numbness.

What should I bring?

Bring your medical history, list of medications, and wear open-toed shoes or sandals for comfort after the appointment.