TORONTO FOOT SPECIALIST SHARES SOME INFORMATION REGARDING INGROWN NAILS

Ingrown Nails 

An ingrown toenail (also known as onychocryptosis) is a common condition that results from the edge of the toenail growing down and into the soft skin on the side of the toe.

Ingrown nails are usually red, swollen and tender to the touch.  At times there may be a small amount of pus present.  One common cause of ingrown toenails is poor nail cutting technique whereby the person trims the side of the toenail leaving a small spike of nail which later embeds in the side of the toe as the nail grows forward.

Treatment may consist of oral antibiotics to resolve any infection and removing the offending portion of nail.  Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics commonly sees patients with ingrown toenails and can provide almost instant relief during your initial treatment.

At times ingrown nails return and it is necessary to perform a minor surgical procedure to prevent the side of the nail from growing back.  This surgical procedure, known as a partial nail avulsion, is performed at Dr. Hardy's Foot Clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinics under local anaesthetic with minimal, if any, post-operative discomfort.  At our foot clinic we have invested in 6 computerized painless injection devices so the patient feels no discomfort throughout the procedure whatsoever.

 

Thickened and Fungal Nails

Hard, thick and discoloured nails can be very unsightly and embarrassing.  One common cause of thick and discoloured nails is fungal infection.

These fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are transmissible from person to person and can be contracted from a number of different sources, in particular nail salons or similar establishments with sub-standard infection control techniques have been found to be a source of infection for several of our patients.

Treatment of fungal nails may include reducing the thickness of the nail using specialised equipment and the application of a topical anti-fungal medication which is painted onto the nail.  In some cases it is necessary to take an oral anti-fungal medication.

Thick, discoloured nails may not necessarily be caused by fungal infection and therefore it is important to have any nail problems properly assessed.  Our foot specialists at Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics can advise you on the best course of treatment for any nail problems.

Please contact Dr. Hardy, owner of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics at 416-465-8737 for competent, honest advice or foot care.

 

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

Across from the Broadview Subway | Professional Family Foot Care