Ingrown Toenail
Precise, Pain-Free Relief — Often in a Single Visit.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. It is one of the most common nail complaints we treat, and one of the most satisfying — because relief is typically immediate.
Our podiatrists use gentle, specialist techniques to remove the offending nail edge and, where appropriate, apply a phenolisation procedure to permanently prevent regrowth of the problematic border. This is a permanent solution with a high success rate and minimal recovery time.
Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated allows infection to spread, potentially requiring more complex intervention. If you have been suffering for weeks or months, do not delay — we can usually see you the same day.
What We Offer
- Nail edge removal (partial avulsion)
- Phenolisation — permanent correction
- Antibiotic dressing & aftercare
- Same-day emergency appointments
- Infection assessment & management
- Preventive cutting advice
Most patients experience immediate relief following treatment. Local anaesthetic is used for surgical procedures so you will feel no pain during the procedure itself.
Full guide to ingrown toenail treatment
In-depth information, FAQs & expert advice
Fungal Toenails
Clinically Effective Treatment for Clearer, Healthier Nails.
Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is more common than most people realise — affecting up to 10% of the population at any one time. It causes nails to become discoloured, thickened, brittle, and crumbly, and left untreated it can spread to other nails and to the skin.
We offer a full range of evidence-based treatments from medical-grade topical antifungals through to advanced laser therapy. Your podiatrist will take the time to correctly diagnose the infection and recommend a treatment plan based on the severity, your lifestyle, and your preferences.
Prompt treatment leads to far better outcomes. The longer a fungal infection is left, the harder it becomes to eradicate and the more likely it is to affect multiple nails.
What We Offer
- Medical-grade topical antifungal lacquers
- Oral antifungal medication (prescription)
- Professional nail debridement & thinning
- Laser antifungal therapy
- Footwear & hygiene advice
- Ongoing monitoring & review
Treatment timelines vary: nails grow slowly, so visible improvement takes time. However, with the correct treatment your podiatrist will set realistic expectations and track your progress.
Full guide to fungal toenail treatment
In-depth information, FAQs & expert advice
Fungal Nail Test
Accurate Diagnosis Before Treatment — No Guesswork.
Not every discoloured or thickened nail is caused by fungus. Nail psoriasis, trauma, and other conditions can look very similar to a fungal infection. Getting an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment is essential — the wrong treatment will not work, and may even cause harm.
We offer rapid in-clinic fungal nail testing to confirm whether a fungal infection is present and, where needed, to identify the specific organism. This allows us to select the most effective targeted treatment from the outset rather than trialling options.
This is particularly important for patients who have already tried over-the-counter treatments without success. An accurate diagnosis means a faster, more effective resolution.
What We Offer
- In-clinic nail sample collection
- Laboratory fungal culture & sensitivity
- Rapid test results (same session or next day)
- Written diagnosis & treatment recommendation
- Referral pathway if required
- Full follow-up care plan
Testing is recommended for any nail change that has persisted beyond 8 weeks, or for patients with underlying health conditions such as diabetes.
Full guide to fungal nail testing
In-depth information, FAQs & expert advice
Damaged Nails
Restoring Comfort and Appearance After Nail Trauma.
Nails can sustain damage in many ways — sporting injuries, ill-fitting footwear, repetitive pressure, or as a side effect of certain medical conditions or medications. Damaged nails are not merely cosmetic; they can be painful, prone to infection, and affect day-to-day activities.
Our podiatrists are experienced in assessing and managing all forms of nail trauma and nail dystrophy. Treatment may include careful debridement, nail reduction, protective dressings, or restorative techniques depending on the nature and severity of the damage.
We also address the underlying cause wherever possible — ensuring that a badly fitted shoe or biomechanical issue does not continue to cause repeated nail damage.
What We Offer
- Nail debridement & reduction
- Subungual haematoma drainage
- Protective nail dressings
- Callus management under the nail
- Nail psoriasis management
- Footwear assessment & advice
Even significantly damaged nails can recover with the right care. Our team will assess whether the nail matrix is intact and give you a realistic prognosis for full recovery.
Full guide to damaged nail treatment
In-depth information, FAQs & expert advice
ToeFlex / Nail Reconstruction
Restore the Look and Feel of a Natural Nail.
ToeFlex is a professional cosmetic nail reconstruction system that rebuilds a missing, damaged, or surgically removed toenail using a medical-grade, flexible resin. The result is a nail that looks and feels completely natural — and is permanent until the natural nail regrows.
This treatment is particularly popular following nail surgery, traumatic nail loss, or for patients who have lived with unsightly nail conditions for years and wish to have a natural-looking nail immediately. ToeFlex is durable, flexible, and compatible with normal footwear.
The reconstruction is applied by a trained podiatrist in a single appointment and can be shaped and finished to match your remaining nails. It requires no special maintenance and grows out naturally with the underlying nail.
What We Offer
- Full nail reconstruction (ToeFlex resin)
- Partial nail repair & infill
- Post-surgical nail replacement
- Natural finish shaping & buffing
- Compatible with nail polish
- Single appointment procedure
ToeFlex reconstruction is a cosmetic procedure and is typically completed in 30–45 minutes. Results are immediate — you leave the clinic with a complete, natural-looking nail.
Full guide to ToeFlex nail reconstruction
In-depth information, FAQs & expert advice
PodoFix Nail Brace
Non-Surgical Correction for Curved and Involuted Nails.
The PodoFix system is a clinically proven, non-surgical nail bracing technique that gently corrects overcurved, involuted (pincer), and recurring ingrown nails. A precision-moulded composite brace is applied directly to the nail, applying gradual tension to encourage the nail to grow flatter and wider over time.
Unlike surgery, PodoFix requires no anaesthetic, no recovery time, and causes no discomfort. Patients walk out of the clinic immediately after treatment. The brace is virtually invisible and does not interfere with footwear, swimming, or daily activities.
PodoFix is suitable for all ages including elderly patients and those with diabetes or circulation conditions, for whom surgical intervention may carry higher risk. It is often the preferred long-term solution for patients with recurring ingrown nails.
What We Offer
- PodoFix brace application & fitting
- Adjustment appointments (every 6–8 weeks)
- Combined with nail debridement
- Suitable for diabetic patients
- No anaesthetic required
- Discreet — compatible with all footwear
A typical course of PodoFix treatment consists of 3–6 brace applications over several months, depending on the degree of nail curvature. Most patients notice visible improvement after the first or second application.
Full guide to PodoFix nail correction
In-depth information, FAQs & expert advice
FAQs
Your Nail Care Questions Answered
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us by phone or online. We see patients of all ages for any nail concern, from routine nail cutting to complex nail conditions.
Most routine nail treatments are completely comfortable. For procedures such as ingrown toenail surgery, we use a local anaesthetic so you will feel no pain during the procedure itself. You may experience mild tenderness for a day or two afterwards.
Toenails grow slowly — approximately 1–1.5mm per month. While the infection can be stopped quickly, it takes several months for a healthy nail to fully grow through. Your podiatrist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
ToeFlex is suitable for most patients. Your podiatrist will assess the underlying nail and surrounding tissue before proceeding to ensure the reconstruction will adhere properly and that there are no contraindications.
Yes — ToeFlex nails can be polished just like natural nails. For fungal nail treatments, we advise avoiding nail polish during active treatment as it can trap moisture and inhibit antifungal penetration.
PodoFix is a non-invasive brace that gradually corrects the nail shape over several months. Nail surgery (partial nail avulsion with phenolisation) permanently removes the offending nail edge in a single procedure. Your podiatrist will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your specific situation.
Ready to Restore Your Nails?
Book a nail care assessment at our Arnold clinic today. We offer same-day and emergency appointments for urgent concerns.