Many of our customers have presented to us with ingrown toenails. They can be very frustrating and painful, and sometimes require surgery.
It’s normal to feel some uncertainty or trepidation about any surgical procedure, and to question how much time, discomfort and inconvenience may be involved. At the Foot Clinic, we can assist and help put you at ease throughout the process, from assessment to surgery to recovery.
Let’s take a closer look at ingrown toenail surgery, including what you can expect on the day and at home afterwards.
For personalised advice, contact our team at The Foot Clinic today.
What Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Nail surgery is a common treatment for painful, long-standing ingrown toenails that have not responded to other forms of care.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or side of the toenail grows into the soft skin around the toe. There are a number of causes, including an injured toe or nail, incorrect nail-cutting techniques, or tight or ill-fitting footwear. People with ingrown toenails may feel a number of symptoms including pain at the edges of the toenail, redness or swelling.
Sometimes an ingrown toenail can be treated at home. If however it is very painful, inflamed or showing signs of infection, it’s best to see a podiatrist.
They may suggest non-invasive treatments, from cutting out the offending nail spicule to taping techniques that pull the nail fold away from the nail, allowing the nail to grow out. But sometimes these treatment options don’t work, or symptoms are too severe. In this case, podiatrists often recommend a surgical procedure to remove the nail - partially or fully.
The most common surgery is a minor, minimally invasive procedure that only removes the part of the nail causing the problem. This is called a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) surgery.
PNA Surgery at The Foot Clinic: Step by Step
The Foot Clinic regularly performs Partial Nail Avulsion surgeries at our state-of-the-art clinic in Perth.
If you are researching or already booked in for this surgery, here is what you can expect, from the first appointment to your post-surgery recovery.
- The initial consultation: One of our podiatrists will assess your symptoms and decide whether nail surgery or a more conservative treatment is the way to go. If PNA surgery is recommended and agreed upon, your podiatrists will perform the required pre-surgical neurovascular assessments. If there are no complications, the surgery will be booked in.
- Before the procedure: You may receive some instructions to follow in the days or hours before the surgery. For instance, you may be asked to bring open-toe shoes that will fit over the post-surgery dressing.
- The procedure: This is usually completed within 15 minutes. At first, your podiatrist will numb the toe with a local anaesthetic. Once they confirm the toe is completely numb, they will then create a straight cut through the nail and remove the offending spicule. After this, a chemical agent called phenol will be placed at the base of the nail to destroy the nail matrix and prevent the nail from growing back.
- Directly after the procedure: Your podiatrist will dress the toe with sterile dressings and supply dressings for you to use at home.
- In the week following the surgery: Between 24-72 hours after the surgery, you will see us again to have the affected nail assessed for any signs of infection.
Post-Surgery Care for an Ingrown Toenail
Your podiatrist will provide recommendations and tips for your surgery aftercare. These vary from patient to patient, but may include the below.
- Rest your foot for two days: You will be able to walk immediately after the surgery, but rest and elevation is key. We recommend our patients rest the affected foot for two days. After then, you may resume most normal activities.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks: It’s best to put off any heavy weight-bearing or intensive exercise, including going to the gym and lifting weights. Also try to avoid bumping the affected toe where possible.
- Change your dressing: Keep the affected area clean and dry, and stay on top of your post-surgery dressings. Your podiatrist will provide instructions for when and how to change your dressings.
- Wear open-toed shoes and cotton socks: Supportive footwear is recommended for at least a few days after the surgery. Avoid any tight-fitting shoes that might put pressure on your toe.
- Take foot baths: Regular baths to soak the feet may also benefit your post-surgery recovery. Epsom salts are often recommended to help soothe the feet and reduce swelling.
- Take pain relief as advised: Your podiatrist may suggest pain relief medication for any post-surgery symptoms.
What Is the Recovery Time for Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Your recovery time from PNA surgery may depend on a range of factors. We find the below guidelines usually apply.
After two days of rest, you may resume most normal activities, except for strenuous weight-bearing or exercise. After two to three weeks, you may restart more intensive exercise or sports.
When To Call Your Podiatrist
If you are feeling unsure at any point about any post-surgery symptoms, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your podiatrist.
You may notice some lighter symptoms after surgery, including pain as the anaesthetic wears off, or light swelling or bleeding. These are usually not cause for concern. But definitely make a call if you experience anything more severe, like fever, chills or more advanced swelling or bleeding.
We also recommended getting in touch if your toenail is not recovering, or your regrown nail is digging into the skin of your toe.
Book a Consultation With The Foot Clinic in Perth
If you are considering booking in for ingrown toenail surgery, or discussing other treatment options, we would love to hear from you!
Our friendly and experienced podiatrists are more than happy to provide assistance and advice at every step of the way, from the initial consultation through to the procedure and your surgery aftercare.