Thickened Nails

Thickened nails can cause pain by increasing the pressure underneath the nail too much, or by ingrowing. They can be caused by trauma, circulation or a nail infection. Don't despair, they can be managed and we may be able to treat them, depending on the cause.

Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are extremely common, recent statistics suggesting 50% of people over 65 suffered with it, and if those people had diabetes, it jumped to 65% of people suffering with it.

It can be contracted through contaminated instruments, or by sharing showers, nail polish or foot baths with someone who has it the infection. It can also be contracted through a minor trauma to the nail (if you kick it) and the natural flora on your skin can migrate into the nail.  

It can be treated with topical medications or oral tablets. There are many products on the market and it's not so much about finding the best one, it's about finding the right one to treat the specific infection you have. To work this out it needs to be systematically trialled.  

Pathology testing can be used to see if you have the bug that will respond to oral medication.  

Laser treatment is a relatively new form of treatment. We welcome more research to show its effectiveness.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are very sore and need to be attended to sooner rather than later. They are caused by nails that are too wide, too thick, cut incorrectly, trauma or pressure. The nails needs to be cut back properly and the pressure relieved to reduce your pain. Sometimes, antibiotics and medication may be required if the area is very infected. A long term management plan will be outlined to manage what's exactly wrong with your toe.

Nail Surgery

Surgery is always used as a last resort for ingrowing toenails. But, this technique for removing ingrowing nails permanently (95% of the time), and is very effective. A recent study showed this form of nail removal had the lowest rates of re-growth and post-operative pain compared with other surgical techniques.

This process is used to remove a portion of a nail that is causing pain. Firstly, we need to ascertain whether you are medically suitable to undergo this procedure, and if so is done with local aesthetic and takes a few minutes to complete. The rates of post-operative pain are minimal and the procedure very effective.  

Interested?  Watch a video of the procedure and see how quick and simple it is. The area takes about 3 weeks to be completely healed.