Ingrown toenail treatment and nail surgery – expert care in Hinchley Wood, Esher
HCPC registered Podiatrists. Swift pain relief. Tailored solutions.
Call 020 8398 7744 to book now.

Fully certified team
Over 35 years' experience
Free on-site parking
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnates, is a painful, debilitating condition in which the sides or corner of the toenail grows downwards digging into the surrounding soft tissue. Initially this might result in redness and a sense of pressure felt down the sides of the nail, but ultimately if left untreated this will result in a breach of the underlying skin and lead to discomfort, inflammation, formation of granulation tissue, and in some cases infection. This condition commonly affects the lateral (outside) of the big toe, although the medial (inside) edge and other smaller toes can also be affected. The signs and symptoms include discharge or pus from the toes, soreness and redness, swelling and a warm or hot feeling. It is fairly common and does not pose a serious health risk in healthy individuals.
At Sally Pembery Associates in Esher, we understand the discomfort and frustration this condition can cause. Whether it’s the redness, swelling, or that sharp, persistent pain, our HCPC registered podiatrists are here to help. With over 35 years of experience, we specialise in providing effective, tailored treatments to alleviate your discomfort and prevent future issues.


What causes an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenail development may be triggered by multiple factors, including:
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Inappropriate nail trimming which can cause toenails that are trimmed too short or too rounded to grow downward into the skin.
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Nails that are just too wide for the toe and start of pressing into the fleshy sides.
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Ill-fitting footwear that can compress the toes and subsequently change the shape of the nail
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Onychomycosis (fungal nail infections)
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Trauma to the toe, e.g. running, kicking or stubbing of the toe
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Involuted toenails, those that are misshapen and curl over into the flesh.
Our approach to ingrown toenail treatment
At Sally Pembery Associates, we believe in a personalised approach to care. For mild cases, we can gently ease the nail away from the skin, providing immediate relief. For more severe cases, where infection or granulation tissue is present, nail surgery may be required. This straightforward procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic in our Esher clinic, ensuring a pain-free experience. Depending on your needs, we may remove a portion of the nail or the entire nail, applying a chemical called phenol to prevent regrowth if necessary. The procedure typically takes just 45 minutes, and most patients walk out feeling significantly better. Our goal is to restore your comfort and confidence, one step at a time.


Nail surgery
We understand that painful nail conditions can greatly affect your daily life. Our expert team is here to provide safe and effective nail surgery to address issues like ingrown nails, infections, and severe nail deformities. We focus on delivering personalised care to relieve your discomfort and improve your overall nail health. Trust us to help you regain confidence and comfort with our specialised nail surgery services.
Step into better foot health today
Call 020 8398 7744 to book your appointment and experience expert care tailored to your needs.
Ingrown Toenails –When To Seek Help
Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, though higher-risk individuals include adolescents who play sports, people with sweaty feet, and those with underlying medical conditions such as poor circulation, thyroid, cardiac or renal disorders, or severe nerve damage in the legs or feet. While antibiotics can help reduce swelling, redness, and infection, they cannot resolve the problem if the nail itself is digging into the skin—this requires removal by an HCPC-registered podiatrist. It is best to seek professional help as soon as you notice pressure, redness, or discomfort, ensuring timely treatment and preventing complications.
Don’t let ingrown toenails hold you back
Call 020 8398 7744 today to book your appointment and take the first step towards pain-free feet.
All major insurers accepted


