Foot Related Treatments
Nail Surgery for Painful Ingrown Nails
What is an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown nails result from the toenail being driven into the toe by shoes (or boots) that are too tight. They occur most frequently alongside the big toe. The nail cuts into the side of the toe, creating a shooting pain as it puts pressure on the nerves. Ingrown toenails may also be caused by injury, fungal infection, psoriasis, heredity, or poor foot structure. Learn more about ingrown toenails.
Why is ingrown nail surgery sometimes necessary?
Chronic ingrown nails can lead to health issues, mainly if an infection is present. These complications can become severe, especially in people with diabetes, circulatory issues, or immunity problems.
In these cases, the chiropodist may remove a portion or all of the offending nail(s) to alleviate the pain, infection, and potential for other issues.
What happens if it isn’t treated?
- Infection may begin or spread to the foot, leg, or into the bloodstream
- The nail plate may be lost or damaged from the infection or inflammation
- Chronic ingrown nails can cause deformity of the nail plate and surrounding soft tissues
- A small benign tumour called a granuloma can form along the nail margin
WARNING: Video contains graphic content
If you are curious about the ins and outs of nail surgery, watch the time-lapse video showing our chiropodist, J. Richard Werkman, performing nail surgery at our clinic.
What is ingrown nail surgery?
The offending nail spike, or the entire nail, is removed to relieve your ingrown nail pain in the surgery.
- Ingrown nail surgery is painless, as the toe is “put to sleep” using a local anesthetic.
- During the procedure, a chemical is applied to ensure that the nail’s ingrowing part does not grow back
- Post-operative discomfort is minimal, and any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine
- The wound heals in four to six weeks. During the first week, it is dressed with a bandage. Some cases may require an oral antibiotic, which your Chiropodist can prescribe.
- After healing, the nail is regular in appearance, slightly narrower than before (unless your chiropodist recommends removing the entire nail)
When it’s time to look for a permanent solution to your persistent ingrown toenails, look no further than Werkman Boven Foot & Orthotic Clinic.
What should you expect after nail surgery?
Post-Operative Care for Nail Avulsion Procedure
Proper care after the procedure is important to help your toe heal and prevent complications.
After the Procedure:
- The anesthetic will wear off within an hour or two.
- Leave the dressing on and keep the gauze and bandages dry for the first 24 hours.
- Keep your feet elevated and rested for the day after the procedure.
- Some bleeding and redness around the surgical site are normal.
- To manage any pain, you can take over-the-counter painkillers. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is preferred over Advil (ibuprofen). Follow the usage instructions on the label.
- You should be able to return to regular activity one day after the procedure.
- Avoid tight footwear during the healing process.
Dressing Changes:
- Leave the dressing on for 24 hours.
- Remove the dressing.
- Soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salts for 5-10 minutes. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt in 2 litres of water. Move your foot around in the water to loosen any debris.
- Gently dry the area with a fresh, clean towel and let air dry as much as possible.
- Before putting on socks or shoes, cover the area with a new piece of gauze and tape. Cut the provided gauze into 4 equal pieces and use one section for each dressing change. If you run out of the provided dressings, you can use a Band-Aid to cover the site.
- Repeat these steps daily until you are instructed by your chiropodist otherwise.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Please contact our clinic if you have any of the following symptoms in excess. Outside of our regular clinic hours, go to a walk-in clinic or the nearest emergency department.
- Redness, swelling, or warmth around the nail.
- Pus or fluid coming from the wound.
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication.
- Fever or chills.
Follow-Up Care
- Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment to ensure your toe is healing properly.
- If you opted for the procedure without cauterizing the nail root, your nail will grow back, which may take several months.
- Be careful not to injure the healing toe. This could delay healing or cause problems.
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