Ingrown Toenail Removal

Whether you have a minor ingrown toenail or you have developed a severe ingrown toenail, there are surgical options that can help you to have your ingrown toenail removed. You should discuss your condition with your podiatrist, who will be able to recommend a surgical option for you.

Causes of ingrown toenails

Symptoms of ingrown toenails include pain, swelling, and redness around the nail. In some cases, infection may also be present. The pain can become more severe if not treated immediately. If infection persists, it may spread to the underlying bone. Depending on the severity of the infection, the affected toe may need to be removed.

Ingrown toenails can be caused by trauma or if the nail grows into the skin. The most common type of ingrown toenail is on the big toe. However, ingrown toenails can also occur on other toes. Having one or more curved toenails can increase your chances of developing an ingrown toenail.

Methods of ingrown toenail removal

Surgical treatment of ingrown toenail involves several options. Surgical methods are based on debulking the soft tissues and narrowing the nail plate.

The procedure can be done in the doctor’s office or by an orthopedic surgeon. Local anesthesia can be used and the patient can remain awake. Several days of rest are required after the procedure.

A new simple surgical technique for ingrown toenail has been described. It involves resection of soft tissue at the fold of the paronychium, transposition of the nail wall, and a small amount of removal of the nail matrix.

The procedure is simple and the results are often good. However, the recurrence rate of surgical approaches is between 1.7% and 27%.

Surgical methods include lateral onychoplasty, partial matrixectomy, and complete nail plate removal. Each of these methods has its own pros and cons.

The new method involves a standardized six-step procedure to achieve a higher rate of cure. Its benefits include avoiding minor surgery procedures and the chance of complications.

Complications of ingrown toenail removal

Depending on the severity of the condition, ingrown toenail removal may involve surgery. Surgical management can be performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure involves removing the offending portion of the toenail from the nail matrix.

Patients may experience significant pain after the surgery. This pain can be relieved by using over-the-counter pain relievers. Keeping the foot elevated when sitting and wearing proper shoes are also important.

Patients who are anxious about the procedure may want to have general anesthesia. This will make the patient unconscious. However, general anesthesia requires more preparation. It may also cause the patient to forget about the procedure. The patient can also be numb with a local pain injection.

Patients who have a weak immune system are more likely to develop complications. If the infection is not treated, it could result in gangrene. It is also possible that the wound may cause scarring.

A recent study found that 8% of patients had soft tissue infections after ingrown toenail removal surgery. Although these rates are low, they are still considered to be a complication.

Preventing ingrown toenails from developing

Whether you have diabetes or you’re a child, it’s important to take special care to prevent ingrown toenails. This is because the condition can be very painful and can lead to infection.

One of the best ways to prevent ingrown toenails is to wear shoes with room for your toes to move freely. Also, wear socks that fit properly.

Having a nail clipper can help prevent ingrown toenails. You should be sure to trim your nails straight across. Nails should never be rounded at the edge. If you’re unsure, ask a podiatrist for help.

Ingrown toenails can cause pain and redness. They are also more likely to misshapen after they grow back. You can treat ingrown nails with antibiotic ointment, soaking your feet in Epsom salt, or using an adhesive bandage.

Remember, take care of your toenails properly because prevention is better than undergoing treatment for ingrown toenails.