Procedure planning
Treatment pathway
Nail Care & Nail Surgery
Assessment and treatment planning for ingrown, painful, thickened or infected toenails.
A red, swollen, draining or very painful toenail should be assessed promptly, especially for people living with diabetes or poor circulation.
Treatment overview
Care is shaped around the person, the diagnosis and the goal.
Assessment and treatment planning for ingrown, painful, thickened or infected toenails. Care begins with an assessment of the nail, surrounding skin, circulation, sensation and signs of infection. This identifies whether conservative nail care or a procedure may be appropriate.
Treatment context
Who may benefit
A clear assessment helps identify the right pathway.
A red, swollen, draining or very painful toenail should be assessed promptly, especially for people living with diabetes or poor circulation.
01Nail assessment
02Procedure planning
How the pathway works
Understand the care before it begins.
Care begins with an assessment of the nail, surrounding skin, circulation, sensation and signs of infection. This identifies whether conservative nail care or a procedure may be appropriate.
What to expect
Treatment is reviewed as needs change.
Assess
Where a nail procedure is clinically appropriate, the clinician will explain preparation, aftercare, healing expectations and any follow-up needed.
Plan
The clinician explains the next step in the context of your findings.
Provide care
The clinician explains the next step in the context of your findings.
Follow up
The clinician explains the next step in the context of your findings.
Treatment modules
Practical care, explained clearly.
Procedure planning: Where a nail procedure is clinically appropriate, the clinician will explain preparation, aftercare, healing expectations and any follow-up needed.
Protect your feet between reviews.
Keep changes protected, avoid unadvised self-treatment and seek advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
The next step should be clear.
A timely assessment helps match care to the diagnosis, risk and practical needs of the person.
Common questions
When should I seek medical advice?+
A new wound, spreading redness, swelling, discharge, odour, colour change, or a hot, cold or painful foot should be assessed promptly. If you feel very unwell, seek urgent or emergency care.
How is the right pathway chosen?+
A clinician considers the diagnosis, symptoms, skin or wound, sensation, circulation, pressure, footwear, medical history and your goals before recommending next steps.
What should I bring to an appointment?+
Bring recent reports, a medication list, details or photographs of changes over time and your usual footwear when relevant.
Continue the care journey
The right next step depends on the clinical picture.
Explore the related pathways that may be discussed after assessment.
Make an appointment
Find the right next step for nail care & nail surgery.
Our team can help you understand what needs assessment and what information to bring. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an in-person review.
Specialist assessmentClear next stepsIndividual care planning
Dr. A. Nirupan Chakkaravarthy
Consultant Podiatrist · Limb Salvage Specialist
This guide is for general education and does not replace an in-person assessment.