However, if the above steps provide no relief, that generally means that the nail spike is pretty deep, and if the spike continues to be there, things can get worse. Fret not, in this day and age, we no longer need to take out the entire nail just to resolve an ingrown toenail. That is regarded as unnecessary, and will cause a much bigger wound for you to take care. The current treatment for ingrown toenails are mainly 3 option:

1. First is known as a “slant back”, which is basically trimming the portion of the nail spike away without cutting too deep towards the root. This is helpful when the spike is not near the nail root at all, or the shape of the nail is largely normal.
2. The second method is known as a “partial nail avulsion”, which basically removes a small portion of the nail all the way down to the nail root. Think of it like treating a wisdom tooth, you are just remove the tooth that is causing the problem, but the other teeth stay. After the nail is removed, we could also put in a chemical to stop that portion of the nail from growing back, so that will put an end to your suffering permanently. This method is generally recommended for cases where the spike is very close to the nail root, or the edge of the nail curves deeply into the flesh (resulting in recurring ingrown toenail)
3. The third option is relatively new, known as “nail bracing”. This involves putting a “brace” over the nail plate to try and hold the shape of the nail such that it doesn’t grow into the flesh. This is only useful if the shape of your nail (at the base of the nail) is considered normal and not involuted (or curving into the flesh).

We hope this gives you a better idea on the management of ingrown toenail, and hope that you received help for your problem.

Benedict Khoo,
Principal Podiatrist, Straits Podiatry.
Website: http://www.straitspodiatry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Straits.Podiatry