so i get ingrown big toenails, i have tried toenail surgery to reduce the size of my toenails, but the problem persists.
I have found that grinding down the top layers of the toe nail instead of the ends provides long lasting relief, but also somewhat immediate relief of currently ingrown nails by somewhat alleiviating the pressure.
i posit the majority of ingrown toe nails can be relieved by a simple grind down of the top layers of the nail rather than the end points. From a structural POV the top layers push down on the end of the nails and give it rigidity against the natural shape of the toe’s meat.
reducing that rigidity allows a more natural adaption of the nail bed to the nail meat that does not cause need for surgery.
Clearly I don’t recommend this, but years ago after having an ingrown toenail causing months of pain, I got drunk, decided I’d had enough, and cut a sliver out of it with a breadknife. Ridiculous decision, but cured it forever.
In terms of pain alleviation before surgery (medically trained or otherwise), I can highly recommend stuffing the toenail with tissue paper as close to the ingrown part as possible. Poke it in with a toothpick or something. It acts as a cushion and can train the nail to grow away from the skin.
Unintended bonus of having my own ingrown toenail though: I have always played football and refused to stop even when the pain was at it worst because I love playing it so much. I’m right footed and couldn’t kick the ball with it at all during that time. Instead I forced myself to use my left constantly. I was shocking initially, but weeks later became a two-footed player. Best thing that happened to improve my game long term.
what??
The bread knife was the sharpest object in the flat I was renting at the time. It was also serrated on one side, which proved useful.
Although clearly this kind of operation should only be undertaken by trained bakers.