What Happens in an Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, are usually caused by trimming toenails too short – particularly on the sides of the big toes. They can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight, fungus infection, injury, poor foot structure, or heredity.

Ingrown toenails occur when the sides or corners of the toenail dig into the skin – this often causes the infection.  They start out hard, swollen, and tender. When left untreated, they might become sore and infected and the skin might start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

If you have experienced an ingrown toenail in the past, you would know how uncomfortable and painful it can get.  You do not want a repeat of that experience but sometimes, an ingrown toenail will develop again eventually.

Great news!

Sheldon H. Nadal, DPM is offering a permanent relief from ingrown toenails and ingrown toenail infection right in his podiatry office with a minor surgical procedure.

Ingrown Toenail Remedy

In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is quite simple. You just have to soak the foot in warm, salt water for several times every day. Wearing tight shoes or socks are not advisable as it can worsen the foot’s condition. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if there is an infection present.

Before taking any medications, consult your physician first.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery

In more severe cases, surgical removal of the part of the ingrown toenail may be needed if an acute infection occurs. The procedure, known as partial nail plate avulsion, involves  freezing  the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

The laser ingrown toenail treatment is performed painlessly – with the use of local anesthetic. If you are anxious about the pain, don’t worry, your toe is frozen. The painful ingrown side of the nail will be removed. The part of the root causing the problem will be treated with the carbon dioxide laser and a special chemical.

Afterwards, a small bandage will be put on your toe and you can walk immediately. At home, post-operative care requires you to apply an ointment and a bandaid to the affected toe. Sheldon Nadal, DPM will instruct you to come back to his foot clinic a few times, to make sure the toe is healing properly.

Prevention of Ingrown Toenails

The following steps can help prevent the development of ingrown toenails:

*Trimming toenails straight across without any rounded corner

*Wearing shoes and socks that is not too tight

*Keeping your feet clean at all times

For more information on Ingrown Toenail Surgery, call Sheldon Nadal, DPM at (416) 486-9917.