Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenails
Why do ingrowing nails occur?
- The nail is involuted (curved)
- The nail is sharp and ragged
- Incorrect cutting
- Nail picking or tearing
- Incorrect shoes
- Genetic factors
- When should I consider nail surgery?
You should consider nail surgery if you have frequent episodes of infection and/or you constantly need the side of the nail trimmed away. The practitioner will advise you on wether a partial nail removal or a full nail removal will be the best procedure for you.
Nail Surgery Procedure
A local anaesthetic is injected into the toe to numb the toe so that the procedure is painless. Once the area is numb, the troublesome section of the nail is removed. To prevent the nail from growing again a strong chemical is then applied to the nail matrix to destroy the nail cells. The toe is then dressed.
After the Nail Surgery
- Comfortable shoes worn after surgery.
- Surgery should not be performed for at least 6 weeks prior to any holiday.
- Your activity will be modified for 4-8 weeks.
- Sporting activities must be stopped until the toe has healed.