In today’s blog, we go into greater detail about ingrown toenail removal and the recovery process.

What Happens During Ingrown Toenail Surgery?

If you haven’t been able to get the nail bed back along the correct growth path with conservative measures, your foot specialist may suggest a minor procedure to remove part or all of the offending nail. It may seem like a big fuss for a minor issue like an ingrown toenail, but the procedure is quick and involves minimal discomfort, and many people are more than happy with the results.

Prior to the procedure, your foot specialist will determine whether they will remove the entire nail (nail avulsion) or part of the problemed nail (wedge excision). Other techniques could also be used, but these are far and away the two most common procedures for addressing an ingrown toenail. In most instances, a local anesthetic will be administered a few minutes prior to the procedure. The surgeon will then confirm that the numbing agent has kicked in by asking if you can feel pressure or discomfort when manipulating your toe. Once numb, they’ll get to work, oftentimes removing a portion or the entire nail bed in just a couple of minutes.

After the nail has been removed, the nailbed will be addressed with some minor padding and bandages. You’ll be able to put your foot back into a sock and a shoe or slip your foot into a sandal depending on the weather in order to leave the clinic. Your toe will still be numb from the procedure, but you’ll be able to walk on the foot right away, which much less discomfort than you had before. It may still be easiest to have someone else drive you back from the clinic, especially if it was a toe on your right foot being addressed. Most providers will recommend that you take it easy for a day or two after the procedure and that you take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for any pain and discomfort.

Recovering From Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Your foot specialist will give you some individualized advice on how to best recover following ingrown toenail removal surgery, but some common recommendations include:

• Avoiding athletics or intense exercise for a few days.
• Changing your dressing regularly and applying antibiotic ointment to the area.
• Going barefoot when in safe environments for the toe.
• Wearing shows with a wide toe box in the event that you need to go to school or work the next day.
• Keeping the wound site clean and as dry as possible.
• Elevating your foot above your heart to help control swelling in the area.

As for your recovery, you can usually return to most low-impact daily activities the day after your operation. Return to school or office work can be managed as long as you work to protect the toe area, and higher impact activities can be pursued based on your comfort levels as you take on bigger stresses. The key here is to avoid doing additional damage to the toe or increasing your risk of an infection by making it easier for bacteria to enter the wound site. Again, it is best to follow your doctor’s specific instructions based on your surgery and day-to-day physical demands.

The post What To Expect During Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

What Shoes Increase Ingrown Toenail Risk?

We always mention that you should put your shoes in footwear that fits properly if you’re hoping to avoid an ingrown toenail, but what exactly does that mean. It typically means that you should strive to find a comfortable and supportive shoe, but it also involves avoiding some of these footwear features.

Very Elevated Heels – When the heel of your foot is elevated, excess pressure gets placed on the front of your foot. This extra stress on your toe box can alter the natural growth of your nail bed and contribute to the formation of an ingrown toenail.

Narrow Toe Box – Having a lower heel isn’t the only thing you need to look for in a shoe to help protect against ingrown toenail formation. If your toe box is particularly narrow or comes to a point, it can put pressure on your toes and push your toe joints out of a natural alignment. Eventually, this pressure can contribute to ingrown toenail formation or bunion onset.

Stiff/Rigid Shoes – The material of your shoe is also important. If your shoes are made from rigid or non-flexible materials, they won’t be great at accommodating natural movement. This can lead to inconsistent pressure points on or around the nail bed when moving, increasing your risk of an ingrown toenail.

Not Breathable – You also want to choose a shoe that has good airflow and breathability. If your shoes are too tight or aren’t breathable, your foot may be stuck in a damp and moist environment for an extended period. This moisture can soften the skin around the nail bed, making it more susceptible to being altered by a growing toenail.

Overly Tight – Finally, if your shoes are not the right size, they may increase your risk of an ingrown toenail. Shoes that are too tight will put extra pressure on your toe box and nailbed, and over time this prolonged pressure can cause an ingrown toenail to form.

The post What Shoe Features Help To Prevent Ingrown Toenails? appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.