An ingrown toenail might seem like a small problem, but anyone who has experienced it knows how painful and disruptive it can be. From difficulty walking to constant irritation, ingrown toenails can significantly affect your daily life. While mild cases can often be managed at home, persistent or severe ingrown toenails may require surgical intervention.Ingrown toenail surgery offers a long-term solution for people who experience chronic discomfort.
This article will explore what causes ingrown toenails, when surgery becomes necessary, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection. The big toe is the toe that is most frequently impacted. Causes can include:
- Improper nail trimming (cutting nails too short or curved)
- Wearing tight or narrow shoes
- Injury to the toenail
- Genetics (naturally curved nails)
- Poor foot hygiene
While early-stage ingrown toenails might respond well to soaking, proper trimming, and wearing looser footwear, some cases become recurrent or severely infected, warranting medical intervention.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
You might consider surgery if:
- The ingrown toenail keeps returning despite home treatments
- Pain interferes with walking or daily activities
- There is pus or signs of infection
- Over-the-counter medications and soaking have not worked
To address the underlying cause and stop recurrence, a podiatrist or foot expert may advise partial or complete nail removal in some situations.
Types of Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Various surgical techniques are available, contingent on the severity of the ailment:
1. Partial Nail Avulsion
This is the most common surgical operation. Only the segment of the nail that has grown in is removed in a partial nail avulsion. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and is often carried out under local anesthesia.
The nail root (matrix) may occasionally be treated with a chemical, such phenol, to stop the troublesome area from growing again. This approach has a low rate of recurrence and a high success rate.
2. Total Nail Avulsion
The entire toenail may be removed in more severe or chronic situations. Even though it's more extreme, this method can help get rid of persistent problems, particularly if the nail is thick or malformed.
3. Matrixectomy
This means that the nail root must be permanently destroyed, either chemically or surgically. It's typically recommended for patients with frequent recurrences and can be performed in conjunction with partial nail avulsion.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Surgery for ingrown toenails is typically done as an outpatient procedure in a clinic. The process generally includes:
- Cleaning the toe and applying a topical anesthetic to make it numb
- Removing the ingrown portion or the entire nail
- Applying a chemical to prevent regrowth (if necessary)
- Dressing the toe to keep it clean and protected
The entire procedure is relatively quick and painless, thanks to local anesthesia. You’ll be able to walk out shortly after, though it's best to avoid heavy activity for a few days.
Recovery and Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth and fast recovery. Here’s what you can expect:
- After the anesthesia wears off, there may be little discomfort or throbbing, which can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers
- Daily dressing changes and soaking in warm saltwater to prevent infection
- Avoiding tight footwear and strenuous activities for the first few days
- Usually, full healing takes two to four weeks
Benefits of Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Choosing surgery may seem intimidating at first, but it offers several advantages:
- Immediate relief from pain and pressure
- Long-term or permanent solution to recurring ingrown toenails
- Minimally invasive with little to no downtime
- Low risk of complications when aftercare instructions are followed
By addressing the root cause, ingrown toenail surgery helps you regain comfort and confidence in your step.
Try Ingrown Toenail Surgery
It is unacceptable for anyone to have to live with the ongoing pain of an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenail surgery provides a safe and efficient solution to get back on your feet—literally and painlessly—if you've tried home cures with little success.
To find the ideal course of treatment for you, speak with a licensed podiatrist. With professional care and a bit of recovery time, you’ll be walking pain-free in no time.
