Nail brace for ingrown nails
Toenails are very delicate. With an ingrown toenail, a sharp tip of the nail presses into the skin. As the nail is very hard, the nail fold can become severely irritated or inflamed. A nail brace can relieve the pressure exerted by the nail on the nail fold.
What is a nail brace?
A nail brace is a device made by podiatrists to alter the shape of a toenail, in cases of ingrown toenail. For example, a curved nail can be ‘straightened out’ again. This is often done to treat or prevent an ingrown nail.
A nail brace is always made to measure on the spot by the podiatrist using wire of the same type as that used by orthodontists to make braces. You will usually wear the nail brace for a few weeks, depending on the podiatrist’s advice and your individual situation.
When is a nail brace needed?
If a nail is too rounded, a nail brace may be a solution. This involves placing a small brace on the nail (see video) to relieve the pressure of the nail against the nail wall. In some cases, this can help to correct the shape of the nail.
Fitting a nail brace
Before the nail brace is fitted, the podiatrist ensures that the sharp edges of your nail no longer dig into the skin. The sharp corners are removed and the skin is thoroughly cleaned. The podiatrist then bends the wire into the correct shape so that it fits your nail perfectly. This is done for you on the spot. Generally speaking, having a nail brace fitted is not considered painful; sometimes it even provides immediate pain relief!
Cost of nail braces
The cost of a nail brace starts at 30 euros. Take a look at our price list for the exact price. If you have supplementary insurance, this treatment is often covered. Check the reimbursement overview to see what proportion of the costs you will be reimbursed for.
