Move Without Pain®
Book onlineIngrown toenails are one of the most common foot health issues we see at Dan Everson Podiatry. Our podiatrists are very experienced when it comes to diagnoses and treatment of ingrown toenails.
Primarily affecting the big toes, an ingrown toenail is when the side of the nail pierces into the skin. This often results in pain, inflammation and in many cases infection. It's a condition that can cause a great deal of concern, primarily due to the pain it can cause and its disruption to daily activities.
Quite often, an ingrown toenail can be due to simple factors such as improper nail care (mainly trimming them too short or rounding the edges), or wearing shoes that are too tight, placing excessive pressure on the toes.
Sometimes, more systemic issues like obesity, poor posture, or even genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.
Health conditions can also play a role. For instance, people with diabetes or other conditions that affect circulation are more prone to developing foot problems, including ingrown toenails. It's therefore important to be mindful of these contributing factors in managing and preventing this condition.
The easiest way to spot an ingrown toenail is a noticeable lump on the side of the big toe near the nail. The lump may appear red, swollen, or tender to the touch due to irritation caused by pressure from improper nail growth. In some cases, there might be pus or drainage present around the affected area if an infection has developed. It's important to note that while this visual symptom is often associated with an ingrown toenail, its presence alone may not confirm its diagnosis. If you're not sure, it's best to make an appointment with a podiatrist that specialises in ingrown toenail treatment.
1. Local Anaesthesia
Before the procedure begins, your podiatrist will administer local anaesthesia:
2. The Surgical Procedure
Once your toe is fully numb, the surgical procedure follows these steps:
Throughout this entire process, you will feel no pain due to the anaesthesia. The procedure is performed with precision tools and techniques to minimise trauma and promote quick healing.
Your podiatrist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent infection following the procedure.
This is very important. Most infections will occur within the first week, but the toe can be prone to infection for 2 weeks. It is normal to have a clear discharge coming from the toe. Any sign of a brown or yellow discharge with a presence of pain or increased redness may indicate bacterial infection. Please contact your podiatrist if you are concerned.
Code:F546
Item Description: Partial Nail Avulsion - single edge on one toe (with sterilisation)
Full Fee: $470
Code: F546TT
Item Description: Partial Nail Avulsion - two toes, single edge each toe (with sterilisation)
Full Fee: $750
Code: F547
Item Description: Total nail avulsion - removal of one total toenail (with sterilisation)
Full Fee: $499
Code: F547TT
Item Description: Total nail avulsion - removal of two total toenails (with sterilisation)
Full Fee: $990
Code: F548
Item Description: Nail Edge Avulsion - each additional edge per one toe (with sterilisation)
Full Fee: $175
Q. Do you provide discounts for nail surgery?
A. No, nail surgery is a specialist procedure, performed by our skilled and experienced podiatrists. Some private health funds may cover some of the expense. You can check with your fund to find out if you are covered by referring to the item numbers above.
Q. Will my ingrown toenail heal on its own?
A. Good news – If treated early, ingrown toenails can be easily managed and can heal on their own. However, when left untreated, infection can be difficult to shift. As long as the condition is not severe and there isn't any sign of infection (like pus or significant swelling), it's often possible for the problem to resolve without medical intervention. Learn more about At-Home Solutions For Ingrown Toenails.
Q. What if my ingrown toenail is infected?
A. If your nail is infected, it won't heal on its own. Neglecting proper treatment for an infected ingrown toenail can lead to painful complications and potentially worsen the condition. Seeking professional assistance from a podiatrist is crucial to effectively address the infection and prevent further discomfort.
Q. What does professional treatment involve?
A. Professional treatment typically involves several steps tailored to your specific situation. The podiatrist will carefully evaluate your condition by examining your toe and assessing any underlying causes contributing to recurrent ingrown nails. Your podiatrist might recommend oral antibiotics or topical medications to combat infection and reduce inflammation.
Q. Can I eat before my ingrown toenail surgery?
A. Yes, as the operation is carried out under local anaesthetic you can eat and drink as normal.
Q. How long does the ingrown toenail surgery take?
A. We will usually allow an hour for a nail surgery to remove a partial nail on one toe.
Q. How long does the anaesthetic last?
A. Approximately 2-3 hours, with possibly 12 hours of paresthesia (pins and needles).
Q. Can I drive after my ingrown toenail surgery?
A. No, not until the anaesthetic has worn off. It is also not recommended that you drive any significant distance for the first couple of days after surgery.
Q. What should I bring on the day of my ingrown toenail surgery?
A.Bring with you a pair of sandals/loose fitting slippers to accommodate the dressing and details of any changes in your health or medication.
Q. How much pain should I expect after surgery?
A.This depends on individual patients, but the surgical site may feel uncomfortable for a couple of days. Normal painkillers should be sufficient to deal with any pain you experience. Sudden increase in pain several days after surgery may indicate an infection. You should contact us straight away.
Q. How long does it take for the surgical site to heal?
A.This depends on several factors such as the patient’s health, circulation, medication etc. The average healing time for a partial nail removal is 4-6 weeks, and for a full nail removal 6-8 weeks.
