Nail Bracing

A Treatment For Ingrown Nails

Nail bracing is a method of treating ingrown toenails.

A Nail Brace is a fine, tensioned wire that is applied to the surface of the toenail, and then adjusted to gently lift the edges of the nail away from the skin.

This reduces the curvature of the nail and allows the underlying tissues to recover.

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What are the benefits of nail bracing?

  • Requires no recovery period
  • No footwear or activity restrictions
  • Suitable for children and people with diabetes
  • Offers immediate relief from pain in many cases
  • A genuine alternative to surgery for chronic ingrown nails.
Nail Bracing
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What is involved?

The brace is applied and tensioned in a consultation that takes approximately forty minutes. An acrylic substance is placed over the brace to ensure it does not get caught on socks and shoes.

The brace is generally left in place for six weeks. During this time the brace will move forwards with nail growth. The brace is reviewed and reapplied normally after 6 weeks and again at 12 weeks.

After the 3 applications the brace is removed and only reapplied if the desired result is not achieved yet or symptoms reappear in the future.

What happens after the procedure?

You are able to continue with your normal activities and wear your normal footwear. Please advise your Podiatrist if the brace falls off or becomes uncomfortable.

What are the potential complications?

There are very few complications with nail bracing.

A brace cannot be applied to an actively inflamed and infected toenail.

If your toe is inflammed the podiatrist will have to remove the offending portion of nail and you will be required to dress the toe until the inflammation settles before returning to have the brace applied.

What are the potential complications?

Individuals respond differently to nail bracing and it is not possible to predict how long the brace will stay on or how long relief will last.

This is partly because the nail can become re-traumatized and impacted by accident or ill fitting shoes.

Your podiatrist will discuss all the benifits and possible complications at your initial consult.

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