Ingrown Toenail Solutions for Those in Belconnen, Canberra and Surrounds
What is nail bracing?
Nail bracing is a gentle and effective alternative to nail surgery for painful ingrown or curved toenails. Braces can be made out of plastic, resin or wire attached to plastic. The braces are glued or stuck onto the toenail and internal forces within the brace reposition the nail.
What is nail bracing recommended for?
-Ingrown toenails
-Involuted nail/curved nails
-Deformed nails
-Significant skin build up next to the nail from nail pressure
-An alternative to nail surgery
How does nail bracing work?
The brace elevates and corrects the nail shape to decrease pressure on the underlying and adjacent skin. This results in reduced toenail. As the nail grows it accepts this new position, shape, strength and pressure. A retainer brace helps to maintain this position.
Here at New Step Podiatry, we have several different types of braces available for the Belconnen and wider Canberra community. BraceNFix™ is one example which is placed on top of the toenails and then set using a UV light.
How long does it take to feel and see results?
Your Podiatrist can immediately help to reduce pain associated with an ingrown toenail or involuted toenail with proper trimming to alleviate pressure on the adjacent skin. Often improved nail shape or nail edge lifting is noticed in the first 4 weeks. Treatment duration should be 6 to 12 months given total nail replacement takes 12 to 18 months.
How often are the braces applied?
4-8 weekly appointments are required until the desired nail shape is achieved, this may only take a few months, thereafter, a retainer brace is applied to hold this position until it grows out. Nail polish may be applied to this retainer brace. A podiatrist can provide individualised treatment duration based on the characteristics of your nail.
What are the Benefits of Using Nail Bracing over Surgery?
-No local anesthetic injection required
-No wound healing required which is safer for people with delayed healing
-No time off school or work required for healing
-For surgery, the residual nail may excessive curl again in the future causing a pincher nail
How Long Do Results Last?
Results can be long term provided the cause of the nail curling or involution is addressed. If the causes of the change in nail shape are not addressed e.g. tight shoes, a series of nail braces may be required every couple of years.
Can I use my private health insurance for nail bracing?
Yes, it is a medical appliance. Please check with your private health insurance company if you are eligible for podiatry consultations rebates and toenail braces. The codes for toenail braces are F344 and F211.
What do the braces look like?
Here are some other examples of what the applied toenail braces can look like on toenails.
Get in Touch with our Experienced Northside Canberra Podiatrists
New Step Podiatry is here to assist you with whatever foot, ankle and leg issues that you may be experiencing. We have years of experience treating those in Belconnen, Canberra and surrounding areas, and will always put your health and comfort as our top priority. For any questions, give us a call on 02 6198 4818 or easily book an appointment online to see the Podiatrists at our clinic.
