Toe Nail Surgery
Sometimes your nail can start to grow into the skin along the sides. As it cuts in, the surrounding area is damaged and it can become painful, swollen, and infected. If other ways to help your ingrowing toenail have not worked, another option is to have some (or occasionally all) of your toenail removed. Permanent removal of the nail involving the use of phenol often cures the problem. This has around a 95% success rate.
What will happen?
The doctor will numb the toe with liquid local anaesthetic using a needle and syringe. A small tourniquet is used to prevent bleeding. If a small section of the nail is being taken away it will be loosened underneath, then scissors are usually used to trim it off, right down to the base and just underneath the cuticle and skin. If the whole nail is being removed, it will be loosened underneath before being pulled out. A chemical (phenol) may also be used to try and kill off the nail bed and stop the toenail growing back. The tourniquet is removed – you should not feel any pain, but you may feel pressure or pulling. You will have a dressing put over the whole toe afterwards.
The procedure takes about 20 minutes but allow an hour for your appointment (there can be a lot of paperwork). Afterwards you will be given full instructions on care of your toe, a dressing pack and follow up arrangements.
Alternative treatments include careful nail cutting, avoiding tight fitting footwear and regularly having the nail cut back by a Podiatrist. Risks of not having the procedure are continuing and/or recurring infection (if this is the original cause of your painful nail) and continuing discomfort.
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- Email : drmirzaclinic@gmail.com
- Address :
4 willard road Yardley Birmingham B25 8AA
