Problem Toenails Need Treatment, Not Just Care.

Don’t just live with it.

Recurring pain and inflammation are easy to dismiss — but home remedies and cosmetic care can cost you the best window for treatment. Effective care starts with an accurate diagnosis.

What Are Problem Toenails?

Problem toenails are nails that can no longer keep their normal shape or function, causing pain, inflammation, deformity or damage that affects daily life and overall health. At Obliv Clinic, our physicians diagnose and treat two main conditions: toenail fungus and ingrown toenails.

Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain. If every step hurts, or the area is swollen or oozing, treatment may already be overdue. Inflammation makes the pain worse, and if left untreated it can spread and lead to a bacterial infection, making treatment more complex.

See a Doctor If You Notice These Signs

• The nail presses into the skin, causing pain
• Swelling, redness or discharge around the nail
• Pain when walking or wearing shoes
• Recurring pain that keeps getting worse

※ Even mild tenderness can develop into an ingrown toenail. If discomfort persists, we recommend seeing a doctor early.

“My toenail looks curved. Is it ingrown?”

An ingrown toenail is usually diagnosed when there is pain. However, if your nail is gradually curling inward, it may already need treatment.

Nail Curvature and How We Treat It

What is nail curvature?

Nail curvature shows how far the nail curls inward — measured as the arc between both edges when viewed from the front. The smaller the angle, the more the nail curls, and the higher the risk of pain and inflammation.

• If your curvature is 100° or less, a consultation may be needed even without pain.

Stage 1 · Early

• Angle: 150°–170°
• Shape: Flat, gentle arc
• Symptoms: None
• Treatment: Not needed

Stage 2 · Mild

• Angle: 130°–150°
• Shape: Edges slightly curved
• Symptoms: Tenderness, discomfort
• Treatment: Correction device · Taping

Stage 3 · Moderate

• Angle: 100°–130°
• Shape: Clearly curved
• Symptoms: Redness, swelling, pain, granulation tissue
• Treatment: Correction device · Medication

Stage 4 · Severe

• Angle: Under 100°
• Shape: Horseshoe-shaped; nail cuts into skin
• Symptoms: Severe inflammation, pus, recurring infection
• Treatment: Correction device · Partial nail removal may be necessary if correction isn’t possible · Management of severe infection

Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Obliv

Obliv follows a non-surgical, nail-preserving approach. We attach Podologe, a medical device designed for ingrown toenails, to gently reshape the nail — aiming to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. With pre-conditioning and lifestyle guidance included, our structured program helps your nail heal and stay healthy.

01 Pre-conditioning

Before applying the device, we trim the nail edge that has grown into the skin and ease pressure on the inflamed area.

02 Podologe Application

The device gradually flattens the nail’s curvature to relieve pain and stabilize its shape. Fitted to the length of your nail, its spring wire gently lifts the nail from the center.

03 Lifestyle & Home Care Guidance

To prevent recurrence, we review your walking habits, footwear and nail-trimming technique, and provide a home care guide.

04 Personalized Medication

Medication is prescribed as needed based on your health and nail condition, alongside Podologe treatment.

Podologe — A Class I Medical Device for Ingrown Toenails

Podologe is a clinic-only medical device designed to relieve ingrown toenail symptoms, combining structural correction with hygiene and safety.

Two goals of Podologe treatment

• Correct: quickly straighten the curved nail and relieve symptoms
• Maintain: keep the nail stable so it doesn’t curl back

Key Features

• Developed with input from Obliv Clinic physicians
• Used in many orthopedic clinics in Korea
• Secure fit and comfortable to wear
• Customized to the size and shape of each nail
• Temporary pain may occur during application if inflammation is present, or from tension in the first days after attachment.

*Ingrown toenails may recur if the underlying cause isn’t addressed or treatment is stopped early.

Podologe vs. Other Nail Braces

Podologe

• Material: Stainless steel & nickel-titanium
• Structure: Curved spring wire + bracket
• Thickness: 0.3 / 0.35 / 0.4 mm, adjustable to curvature
• How it works: Center wire’s elasticity pulls the nail outward on both sides
• Procedure: Advanced (precise adjustment)
• Time: 30+ min
• Best for: Moderate to severe
• Replacement: Every 1–2 weeks
• Comfort: Painless (inflamed areas may be tender to touch)
• Pros: Strong correction, barely noticeable, low infection risk
• Cons: Requires a skilled practitioner
• Where used: Clinics

Clip-type brace

• Material: Stainless steel (SUS304)
• Structure: S-shaped hook clip + O-ring
• Thickness: 0.2 mm
• How it works: O-ring tension slowly lifts both edges
• Procedure: Simple
• Time: 10–15 min
• Best for: Early to mild
• Replacement: Every 2–3 weeks
• Comfort: Can be painful
• Pros: Quick and easy, sterilized
• Cons: Weak correction; often needs re-treatment
• Where used: Clinics

Hook-wire brace

• Material: Special alloy wire + clip
• Structure: Straight spring wire + clip
• Thickness: 1.2–1.5 mm
• How it works: Wires hook both edges and lift them
• Procedure: Moderate–advanced
• Time: 20–30 min
• Best for: Moderate to severe
• Replacement: Every 4–6 weeks
• Comfort: Slight foreign-body feel at first
• Pros: Strong correction, reusable
• Cons: Technically demanding, costly
• Where used: Clinics, salons, nail shops

Before & After Podologe Treatment

Before · During · After

FAQ

How long does treatment take?

It depends on the condition and degree of curvature. Restoring normal curvature can take anywhere from 3 weeks to over a year. Since this varies widely, we recommend a consultation for an accurate estimate.

Does it hurt?

Most treatments are done without anesthesia and cause little to no pain. Discomfort during device application is usually mild and can be adjusted to your sensitivity. If there is inflammation or granulation tissue, you may feel temporary pain in that area.

Will my nail be removed?

No. Obliv follows a non-surgical, nail-preserving approach, combining correction devices, medication and lifestyle guidance for a natural, safe recovery.

Can I file an insurance claim?

We can provide receipts and medical documents for your claim. Coverage depends on your insurer and policy.

How is clinic-based treatment different?

Obliv takes a medical approach that addresses the root cause through a structured program — with clinical hygiene standards, a personalized treatment plan, MFDS-approved devices and tailored prescriptions.

What if my Podologe comes off?

If it detaches within 3 days of application, it can be reattached. Please contact us and visit the clinic.

Obliv Clinic · Problem Toenail Clinic

Obliv Songdo Horizon Clinic

2F–3F, 34 Incheon Tower-daero 132beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo-dong), Korea

Tel. +82-32-851-9119 · obliv.contact@gmail.com