Ingrowing toenails occur when the edge of the nail pierces the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness. If left untreated, the area may develop hypergranulation tissue, a painful, overgrown area rich in blood vessels that bleeds easily.
While antibiotics are often prescribed for recurring infections, they only manage the symptoms. To permanently resolve the pain and prevent infection, the underlying nail issue must be corrected.
Common Causes
- Incorrect nail cutting techniques.
- Tight footwear or hosiery.
- Direct trauma to the toe.
- Underlying biomechanical conditions.
Fungal Nail
Thickened nail
Nail section removed
Before and after surgery
Surgical Solutions at Foot Pain Centres of Leeds
We offer three specialist procedures to resolve ingrowing toenails, prioritising patient comfort, rapid recovery, and excellent cosmetic results.
1. Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
The most common solution for ingrowing nails. We remove only the problematic section of the nail, leaving the rest intact.
- Procedure: Performed under local anaesthetic (area numbed for up to 4 hours).
- Success Rate: Over 98%.
- Permanent Results: The clinician applies a chemical called phenol to the nail bed for three minutes to prevent the offending section from regrowing.
- Recovery: Most patients return to work or school immediately, with full healing in 2–3 weeks.
2. Total Nail Avulsion (TNA)
We recommend this procedure for patients with grossly thickened or fungal nails.
- The Process: The clinician removes the entire nail under local anaesthetic.
- Permanent Results: We apply phenol to the entire nail bed to stop future growth.
- Recovery: Healing takes slightly longer than a PNA due to the larger surface area involved.
3. Winograd’s Procedure
A specialist surgical technique designed for rapid healing, often recommended for patients with systemic health issues such as diabetes or poor peripheral circulation.
- The Process: The surgeon removes both the nail plate and the corresponding nail bed.
- Closure: Small sutures hold the wound together to accelerate recovery. These are typically removed after 10–14 days.
