Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) most commonly affects the big toe. It occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling and, if left untreated, infection.
Common causes include:
- Incorrect nail trimming
- Poorly fitting footwear
- The natural shape or curvature of the nail
If You Think Your Toe Is Infected
If you believe your toe may be infected (or you are unsure), please contact us for advice.
If an infection is present, we recommend contacting your GP, who can usually assess you and, where appropriate, prescribe antibiotics. While antibiotics can help treat the infection, they do not remove the ingrown section of nail, so podiatry treatment is still required to resolve the underlying problem.
Treatment
Many ingrown toenails can be successfully managed without surgery, particularly when treated early.
Our Routine Podiatry Appointment includes a full assessment and conservative treatment for ingrown toenails where appropriate. Your podiatrist will discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on your individual circumstances. If conservative treatment is unlikely to resolve the problem or your ingrown toenail is recurrent, your podiatrist may recommend partial or total nail removal under local anaesthetic. If this is the most suitable treatment for you, all of the available options, including the benefits and aftercare, will be discussed during your appointment.
For further information about the procedure, please visit our Nail Surgery page.
New Patients
At your first appointment, we will take a comprehensive medical and health history, including details of any medications you are taking. We will also carry out an initial foot assessment, including vascular and neurological screening, to assess the overall health of your feet.
Returning Patients
For returning patients, your medical details will be reviewed and updated as required, and clinical assessments will be repeated where appropriate.
Fees (Effective from 1 June 2026)
- £55 – Routine Appointment (New Patients)
- £48 – Routine Appointment (Returning Patients)
