Toenail Bracing is an excellent solution for people suffering from ingrown toenails. Onyfix® is a nail correction system involving an application of a methylacrylate resin material on top of the affected nail. It is non-invasive and described by many as a quick and comfortable nail correction treatment. This method of nail correction has been proven safe and effective for people of all ages, with all nail types including children and people with diabetes.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when one or both sides of the nail dig into the skin surrounding the nail, causing pain and discomfort. This can cause the surrounding skin to appear red, swollen and feel tender to the touch. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can result in significant pain which forces a person to change the way they walk or move to “protect” their affected toe, and they can also lead to infection.
Causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear
- Genetics
- Exaggerated curved toenail shape
- Hammer toes, abutting or crossover toes and bunions
- Ill-treatment of toenails, such as cutting nails too short
- Fungal infection of the nail
- Toenail injury
Signs and symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
- Pain when wearing closed toe shoes
- Pain when walking, running or jumping
- Redness around the nail
- Presence of pus or blood from the nail border
- Increased thickness at the sides and ends of the nail
- Callus build-up at the sides and ends of the nail
What is toenail bracing?
At BioPed Footcare, the vast majority of our Footcare Nurses and Registered Chiropodists are Onyfix® certified. They measure and apply the resin to fit each nail’s unique shape. The resin is then cured in place using a safe LED light. Curing the Onyfix® resin causes it to shrink slightly which gently pulls up on the sides of the nail where it digs into the skin offering almost immediate relief from discomfort due to nail pressure. The nail brace holds its form as the nail grows naturally, ensuring retention of the improved, less curved shape. Pain, pressure, and discomfort often dissipates instantly, and the correction effect is long-lasting.
As the nail completes its entire growth cycle, your BioPed Medical Footcare Clinician will easily and quickly remove the growing-out nail brace or it may pop off on its own. Sometimes two or more Onyfix® applications are required to achieve optimal results, but oftentimes one application is enough!
Is toenail bracing right for you?
Onyfix® is an innovative nail bracing treatment that will provide relief of symptoms while encouraging gradual correction of the nail plate shape. This cost effective and little down time required nail bracing system can be conveniently performed in most BioPed clinics that offer Medical Footcare (Chiropody or Nursing Services).
If you’ve been suffering from pain and discomfort because of an ingrown toenail and you are looking for long-term relief, a decrease in the risk of further injury to the surrounding skin and a more effective, conservative routine nail care, contact your local BioPed clinic today to see if Onyfix® toenail bracing is right for you!
