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Sore ingrown toenail?
What usually helps first, and when surgery comes up
Does an ingrown toenail need surgery?
Does an ingrown toenail need surgery? Often not: we can usually treat the sore edge at the first visit (ingrown toenail treatment in Burwood), often without a needle, alongside home care and footwear advice. Surgery is one option to discuss if the problem keeps returning, not an inevitable next step.
How we can help at Burwood Podiatry
Most ingrown toenails can be treated at the first visit, gently and often without a needle.
- A check of the nail, skin, past episodes and your health before anything is done
- Gentle care of the sore edge, with no twisting, turning or pulling; local anaesthetic only if you prefer it or we recommend it: ingrown toenails
- Cutting and footwear advice so it's less likely to return: why it keeps coming back
- Nail surgery (partial nail removal) only if the same edge keeps returning, quoted at your consultation
Pain and swelling with pus, fever or spreading redness needs same-day medical care. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.
Ingrown toenail questions
What home care helps a mildly sore ingrown toenail?
With no infection signs, soak in warm salty water, dry the foot and wear wide shoes. Don't dig at the corner. With diabetes, see a professional.
What does partial nail removal involve?
The toe is numbed and usually only the strip digging in is removed, generally without stitches. Healing takes several weeks.
Where to next
Reviewed by Burwood Podiatry · November 2026