There are occasions when despite your best efforts nail surgery is required to give a permanent solution to the painful and potentially dangerous condition of an ingrowing toenail. At the Theale Wellbeing Centre we treat ingrowing toenails as an emergency due to the potential for pain and infection and will try to get you seen in the clinic as soon as possible. We can normally offer surgery within one month of the initial consultation.
An ingrowing toenail is one that has put so much pressure on the edge of the toe, often due to its curved shape, that the nail has broken the surface of the skin. Minor nail surgery consists of the permanent removal of the problematic side or sides under local anaesthetic.
While the two injections to the base of the toe may be slightly uncomfortable the procedure itself is painless. Any discomfort after the procedure can be managed with paracetamol although this is not always necessary.
The toe usually needs to be dressed for about a month following surgery but a couple of days off work is usually enough to give the healing process enough of a start. Sometimes recreational activities need to be postponed during healing e.g. sport but otherwise activities can be recommenced soon after the procedure.
When we carry out this procedure at the Theale Wellbeing Centre we always discuss the options with you so that you can make an informed decision. If you have been suffering with a painful toenail which you think may be ingrowing please call us and make an appointment to see one of our podiatrists.