Ingrown Toenail Surgery
What Is Nail Surgery?
Podiatrists are trained and educated in being able to complete a nail surgery for ingrowing toe nails.
This is a common and effective procedure in treatment of ingrown toe nails that haven’t been responding to conservative care or treatment in clinic.
An ingrown nail is usually when one or both sides of the nail begin to grow in or irritate the skin, causing redness, pain, swelling or infection.
Partial Nail Avulsion
A Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is the podiatry term for a permanent surgical fix for ingrowing toenails.
A Partial Nail Avulsion usually involves two needles to fully anaesthetize your toe, these needles are given at the base of the toe away from your painful toenail.
Following the injections, your podiatrist will proceed with your ingrown toenail removal. An excision is made at the side of the nail, followed by the use of a beaver (chisel like) blade to continue separating the offending nail from the nail plate.
The offending toenail is removed to the matrix (root); the nail matrix is then sterilised with phenol to prevent the ingrown toenail from regrowth.
Finally, a sterile dressing is applied. The open nail edge is packed with sterile bactigras to prevent the wound from healing from the top, then covered with a sterile non-stick dressing and an appointment will be made within the week to return for a redress.
If you are troubled by an ingrown toenail, book an appointment with Erica Dash Podiatry and discuss your best option for permanent removal of your ingrown toenail.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can happen to anybody, and is a very common condition that can occur at any age.
Its been reported that out of all foot-related problems who attend their general practitioner, 20% of them are for ingrown nails.
Frequently Asked Nail Surgery Questions:
Can You Walk After Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Immediately after ingrown toe nail surgery, there will be a substantial dressing over the toe which will need to be kept dry.
This will be kept on for a few days until a post surgery follow-up appointment and redress of ingrown nail site. The toe will likely still be anesthetised, and feeling numb.
You will be able to walk, but certainly not allowed to drive due to inability to fully control the big toe which had treatment.
Can I Exercise After Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Immediately post partial nail avulsion, we advise and discuss with the patient to rest and recover for the first few days to prevent any trauma or potential infection to the surgical site.
After the first redress, the patient may be able to fit their foot into an enclosed shoe and could go for gentle walks.
Depending on your healing, further exercise such as running or sport may be commenced after second or third redress (1-2 weeks post op).
Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Covered By Medicare?
If the patient is eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care Plan from their General Practitioner, which provides between 1 and 5 visits to an allied health professional, this can be used towards the cost of the ingrown toenail surgery.
Can I Wear Shoes After Toenail Removal?
Immediately post surgery, its best to avoid any enclosed footwear that puts undue pressure onto the nail removal site as pressure can cause bleeding.
What Should I Do After Nail Surgery?
Immediately post nail surgery, take it easy and rest. The local anaesthetic will wear off over then next 2 hours, and there might be a little pain which can be relieved with over the counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
How Painful Is Toenail Removal?
There is slight pain at the beginning with the local anaesthetic injection. Following the injection, no pain should be felt during the procedure.
Do Nails Grow Back After Surgery?
It is not common for your nail to grow back following surgery, however, in rare cases it is possible.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Toenail Removal?
Recovery times vary from person to person. Most patients however are able to perform light duties immediately afterwards, though it is recommended to take it easy and avoid tight footwear until your first dressing change, which is to be done with your podiatrist usually 2-3 days afterwards.
If there have been no complications, you are normally able to return to sports within two weeks.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave is a great alternative to treatments such as dry needling if you’re needle phobic and not keen on dry needling. We also have effective treatment offers for kids.
Orthotics
If you experience foot, knee or leg pain in your daily activities then a professionally fitted custom orthotic could be the answer to your foot problems.
Dry Needling
Dry needle therapy can be very effective in treating a range of conditions including chronic muscle pain, neuromuscular problems, and sports injuries.
Schedule Your Appointment
Erica Dash Podiatry is family friendly treating a wide range of foot and leg complaints of patients of any age or stage of life - See All Podiatrists
Call us at 02 4367 0177 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your podiatry appointment today!