No. Digging at the corner or packing cotton can drive the nail deeper and increase infection risk. Book a podiatry appointment for safe removal of the nail spicule and proper dressing.

Not usually. Most settle once the offending nail edge is removed. Antibiotics are only needed if there is spreading infection or you have a condition that affects healing. We will advise if GP treatment is required.

For repeated or severe cases we can perform a partial nail avulsion under local anaesthetic, often with a chemical (phenol) to stop that small side from regrowing. The nail looks slightly narrower but usually solves the problem long term. Healing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks with simple dressings.

Cut nails straight across and keep the corners visible, avoid digging down the sides, wear roomy footwear, keep feet clean and dry, and see us early if pressure builds again. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced immunity, seek professional care rather than self-treat.

We work gently and use local anaesthetic if needed. Most people feel immediate relief once the nail spicule is removed.

With conservative care, soreness often eases within a few days. After minor nail surgery, most people return to normal shoes in 2 to 3 days and heal in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on activity and dressing care.

Light walking is fine if it is comfortable. Avoid tight footwear and high-impact sport until pain and redness settle. After surgery, follow our advice; swimming is usually OK once the wound is sealed.

Seek assessment promptly if you notice increasing redness, warmth, throbbing pain, pus, fever or red streaks. Early podiatry care usually fixes the cause; we will advise if GP antibiotics are needed.