Are you suffering from ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can be a minor nuisance or lead to major pain & infection. But what is an ingrown toenail? It is simply when the edge of the nail digs into the surrounding skin & causes pain. But how can something so simple cause so much pain? Toes are very sensitive & when cramped in shoes for long periods & then standing & walking on your feet, an ingrown toenail becomes easily irritated & inflamed & swollen.
So how did it happen? There are many causes for an ingrown toenail but the two most common we see as Podiatrists are:
1. cutting the nail either too short or not cutting correctly & leaving a sharp edge to the nail which will cut into the skin.
2. having a curved rather than flat shaped nail & so as it grows the curved edge will again cut into the skin.
What can I do about it? Whether you can treat an ingrown toenail yourself really depends on how bad it is. You can attempt simple steps like soaking the toe in warm, salty water, applying antiseptics or attempting to gently remove the piece of ingrown nail. But this MAY aggravate & worsen the problem.
Early treatment by one of our Podiatrists will resolve most ingrown toenails quickly, simply & the important bit – PAINLESSLY!!!
One of the best treatments that can prevent issues is what’s called a NAIL BRACE – this simple procedure is 100% painless and involves applying a small “brace” to the nail which, as the nail grows, the brace helps to reduce the ingrown nail.
However when a nail has become infected or too painful, we can perform a simple minor procedure under local anaesthetic & then remove the ingrown section of nail (NOT THE WHOLE NAIL) & if needed, apply a chemical to prevent that section of nail regrowing & thereby “curing” the problem – doesn’t that sound great!
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, treat early & correctly by seeing one of our Podiatrists. Call our clinic to make an appointment or book online now by clicking the “Book Appointment” button
Professional Podiatry Services in Adelaide
What to expect at your consultation
When you see one of our Podiatrists at Healthy Life Foot Clinic, you’ll not only feel welcomed but confident in their care.
We’ll initially take the time to learn about you and your problem and how it’s affected you and what it’s stopping you from doing. We will then take a thorough history and perform a detailed examination to determine what’s wrong and the cause of your problem.
Part of the examination will involve observation of your walking which may also include the use of video or Gaitscan (this measures the pressure applied under your feet). We may also refer you for further xrays or ultrasound if indicated.
Finally, we will give you a plan which will clearly detail what the problem is, why it’s there and what we will do to get you back to doing what you love as quickly as possible. Treatment will vary according to your problem but may include a combination of hands on therapy (foot mobilisation and dry needling), strapping, exercise, footwear advice, laser, orthotic therapy and general foot care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a couple of our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for please contact us and we will be more than happy to answer any further questions.
When you have any contact with Healthy Life Foot Clinic, you will always feel welcomed and cared for. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by one of our friendly team. You may need to complete some paperwork but you’ll be seen on time. Jo, Tessa or Mark (our 3 amazing Podiatrist’s) will take extra special care of you immediately. They will take the time to listen to your concerns, find out what the pain or problem is stopping you from doing, thoroughly assess what’s wrong and then explain all of this in non-technical ways.
Where possible, we will always provide some form of treatment to try and get you more comfortable straight away. You will also always leave with a clear written plan of any further treatment required, costs and importantly anything you need to do such as exercises, footwear etc.
When you visit us, always wear clothing that is comfortable. We frequently as part of our assessment need to observe you walking so wearing pants that roll up above your ankles.
Please bring any recent xrays or scans of your foot and ankle. If you have any old insoles, arch supports or orthotics then bringing them will be helpful. A list of medications is important to see and lastly please bring at least one other pair of shoes as footwear often will give us clues as to what may be wrong with your feet.
If you have private health cover with Podiatry, then you will generally be able to receive a rebate on your visit or services provided. If you are unsure if you are covered, we encourage you to contact your health insurer for more information. We have onsite HICAPS facilities so we can process your claim on the spot.
No you don’t need a referral to see a Podiatrist. As a primary health care provider, you do not need to see your GP prior to making an appointment with us.
Podiatry consultations and services are covered under private health insurance. If you are referred to us by your GP with a Medicare referral, there will be a gap. For further information please contact the clinic so we can learn more about your problem and then give you a specific on fees.
