Involuted nail (pincer nail)

With an involuted nail (unguis convolutus), the nail plate is strongly curved across its width. The nail edges roll inwards and press into the nail fold. If the curvature is so strong that the nail pinches the skin like pliers, it is called a pincer nail (unguis incurvatus).

Causes

• hereditary disposition
• tight shoes, foot deformities such as hallux valgus
• age, osteoarthritis of the toe joints
• incorrect nail cutting

Complaints

• pain from pressure at the nail edges, especially in shoes
• callus in the nail groove
• inflammation, even an ingrown nail

Our treatment

We relieve the nail edges, remove callus from the nail groove and gently correct the curvature with a nail correction brace. The brace gradually lifts the edges – without surgery.