Orthonyxie
Nail Brace for Ingrown Nails
An ingrown toenail does not need to be operated on. Brace technique relieves the nail groove immediately and gradually straightens the nail, step by step.
Causes
Why nails become ingrown or curve inwards
With an ingrown nail (Unguis incarnatus), the lateral nail edge presses into the surrounding soft tissue. The nail groove reacts with redness, swelling and pain; under sustained pressure, excess granulation tissue forms and eventually an inflammation with discharge develops. With an involuted nail, the nail plate curves increasingly inward across its width and compresses the nail bed.
Typical triggers include cutting nails too round or too short, tight or overly pointed shoes, sporting activity, foot deformities such as hallux valgus, excessive sweating, fungal nail infections, and a genetically predisposed nail shape. Certain medications can also alter nail curvature.
The brace does not just address the symptom – over several months it changes the direction in which the nail plate grows. This makes it the standard approach whenever a lasting result is required without loss of nail substance.
Types of brace
Which brace suits which nail
Wire brace (e.g. 3TO / VHO-Osthold)
A brace made of spring-steel wire, individually fitted to the nail. It engages the lateral nail groove and straightens strongly involuted nails particularly effectively. Suitable for pronounced involuted nails.
Plastic and adhesive brace
A flat, bonded brace with no pull into the nail groove. Ideal for thin, sensitive or very short nails, and for children and adolescents.
Combined systems
Hybrid braces combine wire and plastic. They are used when the nail needs correcting but should be subjected to only minimal load at the same time.
Which system is appropriate is decided together during your appointment – depending on nail thickness, nail length, degree of inflammation and your daily routine.
Process
Step by step
- 01Assessment: we evaluate nail shape, signs of inflammation, the nail groove and the cause (shoe pressure, cutting technique, misalignment, fungal infection).
- 02Relief: the ingrown edge of the nail is carefully exposed, excess horn tissue removed and, if necessary, the nail groove packed.
- 03Brace selection and fitting: the brace is individually bent or moulded directly on the nail and securely fixed in place.
- 04Follow-up appointments: every four to eight weeks the brace is re-tensioned or replaced as the nail grows out.
- 05Completion: after roughly three to twelve months the nail is permanently realigned. We discuss cutting technique and footwear so the problem does not return.
Advantages
What speaks for the brace
- Pain relief usually immediately after fitting
- No surgical procedure, no wound, no downtime
- Sport, showering and everyday life remain unrestricted
- The nail matrix is fully preserved – the nail continues to grow normally
- Also useful alongside nail surgery to prevent recurrence
In the case of an acute, purulent inflammation, we initially provide relief and coordinate with your doctor. The brace is fitted once the nail groove is free of irritation.
Costs
What the treatment costs
Brace therapy is usually a self-pay service; private insurers and assistance funds (Beihilfe) frequently reimburse it. Current prices for fitting, re-tensioning and replacement can be found in our price overview. If a medical prescription exists for diabetic foot syndrome, the rules for insurance patients apply.