Ingrown toenail treatment at OpenMed Warsaw
An ingrown toenail is a painful problem that makes walking, wearing shoes and daily functioning difficult. It most often affects the big toe nail, when its edge starts to grow into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. If you notice redness, tenderness or recurrent inflammation around the nail, we invite you to OpenMed in Warsaw (Wola).
An ingrown toenail develops when the nail plate damages the nail fold and irritates the surrounding tissues. This leads to chronic inflammation, which can lead to bacterial superinfection, exudate and overgrowth of tissue around the nail. The problem often builds up gradually - initially only discomfort under pressure appears, but over time the pain can make normal walking difficult.
Causes and symptoms of an ingrown toenail
The most common cause is incorrect cutting of the nails, especially rounding their sides. Tight shoes, mechanical injuries, excessive foot sweating and anatomical predispositions are also significant. Ingrown toenails also occur more frequently in physically active people and patients with foot deformities.
Symptoms develop gradually. Initially, pain under pressure and slight redness of the nail fold appear. In more advanced cases, swelling, oozing of secretions, overgrowth of inflammatory tissue and severe pain when walking occur. Untreated, the problem can lead to chronic inflammation and frequent recurrences as well as deformities around the nail.
General surgery specialists at OpenMed
Discuss pain and inflammation around an ingrown toenail and choose the right surgical treatment method.
What does consultation and diagnostics of an ingrown toenail look like at OpenMed Warsaw?
At OpenMed, the consultation begins with an assessment of the degree of nail ingrowth and the state of inflammation of the tissues around the nail plate. Our specialists also analyse previous treatment, care habits and factors that may have led to the problem.
In most cases, the diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical examination and does not require additional imaging tests. During the visit, the patient receives information on whether conservative treatment is possible or whether an ingrown toenail procedure will be indicated.
What does the ingrown toenail removal procedure involve?
The scope of treatment depends on the stage of the problem. In the initial phase, conservative management is possible, including appropriate care, changing the way nails are cut and relieving pressure on the nail fold. In case of severe inflammation or recurrent complaints, our specialists may propose a procedure.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure most often involves removing a fragment of the ingrowing nail plate and treating inflammatorily altered tissues. In selected cases, partial correction of the nail matrix is also performed to reduce the risk of recurrence. Thanks to the use of modern methods, the treatment is usually short, and the patient can return to daily activities in a relatively short time.
Healing and recurrence prevention
After the procedure, appropriate care and following the doctor's recommendations are crucial. Our specialists explain how to care for the procedure site, what shoes to choose and how to correctly trim nails to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In most cases, complaints subside quickly after the cause of the problem is removed. Regular check-ups and appropriate prevention allow you to avoid chronic inflammation and further procedures.
Removal of an ingrown toenail at OpenMed Warsaw
If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, pain or recurrent inflammation around the nail, book a consultation at OpenMed Warsaw (Wola). Telephone and online registration - the OpenMed team will help you choose a suitable appointment time.
FAQ Removal of an ingrown toenail
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.
The healing time depends on the scope of the procedure and the degree of inflammation, but usually takes from a few days to several weeks.
Yes, especially if predisposing factors persist, such as incorrect cutting of nails or tight shoes.
It is worth seeing a doctor at the first symptoms of pain, redness or swelling, before severe inflammation develops.