Ingrown Toenail Specialist in Singapore
An ingrown toenail can start as a minor irritation but often develops into a painful or infected condition that affects your ability to walk, wear shoes, or exercise. The condition happens when the edge of a toenail grows into the skin beside it. This leads to swelling, redness, and, in many cases, pus formation.
In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, moisture trapped around the feet can worsen symptoms and promote faster infection. Timely treatment from a specialist for ingrown toenail ensures effective healing and prevents the issue from recurring. At Footworks Podiatry, we specialise in both non-surgical and surgical management of ingrown toenails. Our podiatrist provides individualised care using modern techniques that minimise downtime and support long-term foot health.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows sideways or downward into the soft tissue of the toe. Most commonly affecting the big toe, it can also develop in other toes if certain conditions exist.
As the nail penetrates the skin, the area becomes inflamed. Redness, pain, and tenderness are often the first signs. Without treatment, the site may become infected, leading to redness, pus, foul odour, and increased discomfort. In some cases, a piece of soft tissue may grow over the nail (pyogenic granuloma), worsening the issue.
Common signs include:
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Persistent pain or throbbing at the nail edge
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Warmth, redness, and swelling
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Clear or yellowish discharge
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Difficulty wearing closed shoes
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Formation of extra tissue near the nail
If not treated early, an ingrown toenail can result in long-term damage to the nail structure, skin, and surrounding tissue. A specialist for ingrown toenail can help prevent these complications.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Several contributing factors increase the risk of developing an ingrown toenail:
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Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
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Tight Footwear: Shoes that press against the toes are common causes, especially school shoes, work safety boots, and narrow dress shoes.
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Toe Stress or Injuries: Sports like football, running, and martial arts increase the risk due to repeated pressure or trauma.
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Genetic Factors: Some people are born with naturally curved or wide toenails.
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Medical Conditions: Diabetes, fungal infections, or poor circulation can increase the chance of infection and slow healing.
Symptoms – When Should You See a Specialist?
Not all ingrown toenails require surgery, but early assessment can prevent worsening symptoms. Seek help if you experience:
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Persistent pain or tenderness at the side of the nail
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Redness and swelling around the nail
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Discharge of pus or blood
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Pain while walking or wearing shoes
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Overgrowth of skin near the nail
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Recurring symptoms after self-care
Patients with diabetes or compromised immunity should not delay treatment, even for mild symptoms.
Why Choose a Specialist for Ingrown Toenails in Singapore?
Targeted Expertise in Foot and Nail Disorders
Podiatrists focus solely on the feet, including the skin, bones, joints, and nails. This specific training helps in identifying the cause of an ingrown toenail and tailoring treatment accordingly.
Accurate Diagnosis and Management
Our podiatrist and ingrown toenail care team conducts a full assessment that considers your nail shape, foot structure, and walking pattern. We also examine footwear habits and other risk factors.
Non-Surgical First Approach
We start with conservative treatment wherever possible. Early-stage ingrown toenails may be resolved with nail bracing or proper trimming. These methods avoid surgery and allow normal activities to continue.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Care
Where surgery is needed, we use precise and gentle techniques that preserve the nail’s appearance and function. These include partial and total nail removal with a low risk of regrowth or scarring.
Prevention Through Education
We not only treat the problem but also help you understand how to avoid it in the future. Our podiatrists provide guidance on foot hygiene, shoe selection, and safe nail care.
Local Experience and Trust
Footworks Podiatry is trusted by patients across Singapore. Our clinic is familiar with local lifestyle demands, school shoe policies, work-related foot strain, and sports-related injuries.
Why See a Podiatrist Instead of a General Doctor?
General practitioners may prescribe antibiotics or remove part of the nail without addressing the root cause. Podiatrist and ingrown toenail treatment involves a more focused, long-term solution to prevent repeated infections.
At Footworks Podiatry, we offer:
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Detailed foot and nail assessments
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Non-invasive options such as bracing and foot soaks
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Minimally invasive surgery with minimal scarring
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Long-term prevention and footwear advice
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High success rates with low recurrence
Our care is specific, thorough, and tailored to your needs, helping you avoid repeated infections and discomfort.
Treatment Options at Footworks Podiatry
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments
These methods are effective for mild to moderate cases and are preferred when early symptoms appear.
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Treatments
When conservative care is not enough, surgical methods offer a more permanent solution. We perform the following procedures:
Why Choose Footworks for Surgery?
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No general anaesthesia required
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Experienced podiatrists with strong surgical outcomes
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Minimal scarring, fast healing
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Clean, sterile environment for low infection risk
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Patient education for long-term care
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Prevention is often simpler than treatment. Here are key tips:
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Cut nails straight across. Avoid rounding edges
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Soak nails before trimming to soften them
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Wear shoes that fit well and allow toe space
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Clean nail clippers before use
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Avoid trauma to your toes
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Use orthotics if your gait causes excess pressure on toes
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Keep feet dry, especially in Singapore’s humid weather
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
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Removes only the portion of the nail growing into the skin
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Performed under local anaesthesia
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Over 90% success rate
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Minimal downtime and quick return to daily activities
Total Nail Avulsion (TNA)
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Removal of the entire nail
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Used in severe cases with full nail involvement or infection
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This may be followed by nail matrix treatment to prevent regrowth
Winograd Procedure
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Advanced technique for chronic or recurrent ingrown nails
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Removes the nail matrix (root) and affected tissue
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Requires careful dressing and follow-up
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Recommended when other methods fail
Why Choose Footworks Podiatry in Singapore?
Our clinic is trusted by healthcare professionals here in Singapore
Thousands of patients have been successfully treated at our clinic in Singapore
Advanced Treatments options such as nail bracing and nail avulsion.
Customised Treatments and expert podiatry care
Convenient location in Novena