Ingrown toe nails

Ingrown toe nails are commonly seen in our practice. Typically, a nail becomes ingrown when a corner punctures the skin surrounding the toe, resulting in pain and infection. Possible causes include:

  • Improper cutting of the toenail
  • Poorly fitted footwear
  • Toe nail injury
  • Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating

At our practice, ingrown toe nails are treated in two ways:

  • Conservative treatment that does not require surgery and may include removing the nail corner, wearing comfortable and well-fitted shoes or antibiotics.
  • In severe or recurring cases, our Podiatrists may recommend a minor nail procedure where a section/piece of the nail is removed. This is an in-clinic procedure done under local anaesthesia with most patients reporting little or no pain afterwards.

Fungal nails

Fungal nails are caused by a fungus spreading under the nail and into the nail bed. These infections can cause many changes in the affected nail, including:

  • White/yellow spots or streaks under the tip of the nail
  • Nail thickening and roughness
  • Brittle, crumbling nail edges
  • Nail discolouration
  • Separation of the nail from the nail bed
  • Pain and tenderness

It is important to ensure early treatment of fungal nail infections to prevent further damage to or loss of the nail. However, treatment at any stage may reduce discomfort and improve the nail’s appearance.

Depending on the severity of the infection, our Podiatrists may trim and file down your nails and apply topical antifungal medications to treat the infection or recommend antifungal tablets or treat the the nail with Photodynamic UV Light (PAC). Call our clinic for an appointment as soon as you suspect a fungal nail infection so treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Thickened Nails

Usually trauma to the nail is the primary cause of thickened nails and is typically the result of repetitive pressure on the nail during day-to-day activities. Fungal infections are also a common cause of thickening nails. At Bankstown Foot Clinic, our Podiatrists can painlessly trim and thin down your nails at a general appointment.