Ingrown toenails can usually be treated without surgery. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be required to remove the ingrown toenail.

Can be used to treat ingrown nail at home if they are caught early. In severe cases, especially when the ingrown nail is infected, people may require a doctor’s advice, anti-biotics or a surgical treatment.

This article explains when someone needs to have surgery for an encrusted toenail, as well as the recovery time and possible risks.

Procedures

Local anesthesia is used in most cases for outpatient procedures, such as ingrown toenail removal surgery in Auckland, that involve the removal of an ingrown toenail. Local anesthesia allows the patient to remain awake while the doctor numbs their toe so they can’t feel it.

Some doctors use twilight or sedative anesthesia to help patients relax during surgery. Twilight anesthesia is a form of twilight sleep, where the patient remains awake, but feels groggy. They may forget the procedure.

General anesthesia may require more preparation and take longer. General anesthesia will render the patient unconscious. This is a great option for those who are anxious about surgery.

Ingrown toenails can be treated by a variety of surgical procedures. A podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon can provide advice about the best treatment. However, it is important to inform them of any relevant health conditions, such as a history of ingrown nails.

Ingrown toenails can be treated by:

  • Wedge resection: A doctor will remove a part of the toenail in order to stop it from digging into your skin. This procedure is sometimes called partial nail avulsion.
  • Removal of the toenail: A doctor might decide to remove the whole toenail. The risk of ingrown toenails increases if the entire nail is removed. The nail can grow back in full up to 18 months. This procedure is called complete nail-plate avulsion.
  • Surgery at the tip of toe: A doctor can remove and reshape soft tissue at toe’s tip if other surgeries are not suitable for the patient or previous procedures failed.
  • Matrixectomy: If nail removal or wedge-resection fail, this procedure might be required. This procedure involves removing the nail and the nailbed.

The doctor may also make a deep cut into the nail to drain any infected or swollen tissue.

When is Surgery Required?

Ingrown toenails, or onychocryptosis as doctors may call it, are a common complaint. Around 20% of patients who visit their doctor with foot problems require help for an ingrown nail.

The toenail can grow into the skin, causing a painful condition. This condition is most common in the big toe when the corner of the nails grows into the nailbed. Most often, this is caused by tight-fitting footwear or incorrect nail trimming.

Ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Wearing sandals will help to prevent pressure being put on the toe. Soaking the toe in hot water and keeping it clean will also help the healing process.

If there are any signs of infection on the nail, it is best to consult a doctor instead of trying to treat it at home. People should also seek medical care for an ingrown nail if they have a health condition  such as pus

  • Redness
  • Extreme pain
  • A fever

A doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the toenail becomes inflamed or swollen, or if it doesn’t improve after a couple of days. may also recommend a special splint in order to stop the toenail growing into the skin. A doctor may suggest surgery if the toe does not heal.

Recovery Timeline with Tips

You can speed up your recovery from ingrown toenail surgery if you:

  • Every day, soak your foot in warm Epsom salts or water.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs ( NSAID).
  • Applying an antibiotic ointment two times daily, or as frequently as your doctor suggests if you have an infection
  • Keep the bandage on until the wound heals. This usually takes a few weeks.
  • Keeping the wound dry and clean except when you shower or clean the area
  • Avoiding strenuous activities that put pressure on the nails until your doctor allows you to resume exercise
  • Wearing shoes that fit properly and are not too tight
  • Avoid picking at the wound

Most people will be healed within a few weeks. Pain will gradually decrease in the days after surgery, and should be gone by the time wounds heal. The nail can grow back in several months, but this will depend on the individual.

Possible Complications

After nail surgery, minor complications can occur. However, serious complications are very rare. Untreated ingrown toenails carry a higher risk of complications compared to nail removal.

Patients should discuss with their doctor the risks and benefits of surgery. The doctor will then take into consideration their specific risk factors. Anesthesia complications are more likely to occur in people with a weak immune system and a history of complications.

Ingrown toenail complications can include:

  • Toenail deformity: Toenails may grow back misshapen or deformed. They may not grow back or reach their original length in some cases.
  • Subsequent ingrown toenails: The removal of one ingrown nail does not prevent the development of future ingrown nails. A person may need to undergo another surgery, or multiple surgeries.
  • Infection: An infection can develop after surgery. A surgical procedure can create an open wound, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter. If you notice any signs of infection after surgery, it is vital to consult a doctor. Untreated infections can cause serious damage to the toe and even lead to an amputation.
  • Anesthesia complications: Anesthesia complications can include difficulty waking from general anesthesia, or an adverse reaction to local anesthesia (such as an allergy reaction).
  • Allergic reactions: Some surgical equipment can cause an allergic reaction. If you have a allergy to latex, please tell the medical staff.

Outlook

Although they can be painful, ingrown toenails are usually not serious if treated properly at home or by a doctor. The surgery is not without risks but can relieve the pain from an ingrown nail.

Ingrown toenails can be treated by a podiatrist with experience. The combination of excellent medical care and home management can help reduce the risks of complications after surgery, and improve the chances of a full and successful recovery.