An ingrown toenail is a common, usually painful condition in which the nail grows into the skin of your toe or the skin grows over the nail.
While this can happen with any of your toes, it most commonly affects your big toe. You can usually treat ingrown toenails at home, but if they become infected, then you may need ingrown toenail removal by a medical professional. This will alleviate the condition and keep the toe from developing any more serious issues.
Ingrown toenails can be unsightly, painful, and extremely tender. If it becomes infected, it can increase the possibility of the infection spreading to the rest of the foot, which is a serious concern for someone who may have a medical condition such as diabetes or who might participate in sports.
Removing the ingrown toenail allows the infection to be treated, along with the associated skin and tissue. This will resolve the pain and tenderness in the toe (or foot) so that a person can once more wear shoes in comfort and/or continue with their regular daily activities.
Not all ingrown toenails need removal, but it may be necessary if you have recurring ingrown toenails, at-home treatments have been unsuccessful, or if you have a medical condition that may cause complications from an infected toe.
To find out if you need ingrown toenail removal New York City patients are encouraged to contact Gotham Footcare and schedule a consultation. The doctors will examine you to verify your eligibility and get started on your treatment plan.
This outpatient procedure normally uses local anesthesia to numb the toe. In some cases, a patient experiencing anxiety may choose to receive light sedation. The entire procedure should take less than 15 minutes to perform, though this can vary depending on if there are multiple ingrown toenails present.
At Gotham Footcare in New York City ingrown toenail removal involves removing part of the nail, recutting the toenail into a straight edge, and treating the nail bed underneath. Specific procedures including the following common procedures:
Wedge Resection
This is the most common kind of ingrown toenail removal procedure, in which only the offending slant of the toenail is removed. This is also known as a slant-back procedure.
Toenail Removal
In this procedure, also known as nail plate avulsion, the doctor might end up removing the entire toenail due to severe infection. It can take several months up to a year for the toenail to grow back.
Matrixectomy
This surgery not only removes the offending nail border but also a small portion of the nail bed to prevent reoccurrence of the ingrown toenail.
You will be able to walk directly after your toenail removal. You should be able to return to work the day after your procedure.
It’s also recommended to wear open-toe shoes for at least a week after surgery. You will be given a postoperative shoe to wear after your surgery. This shoe will allow the toe to heal more easily and ease any discomfort from the pressure of the shoes against your foot. You should be fully recovered in 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on the severity of your condition and which procedure was used on your ingrown toenail.
You will immediately notice the change in your toe after your procedure.
A full toenail removal will take several months up to a year for the toenail to grow back. Ingrown toenail surgery is effective and will prevent recurring pain and infection. However, if you wear a certain kind of shoe or participate in activities that create pressure on your toe, you can get an ingrown toenail again. If you recognize the signs early enough, you should be able to treat them without surgery.
While not all ingrown toenails need medical attention, if you have an infection, a recurring ingrown toenail, or a medical condition such as diabetes, you may need surgery for ingrown toenail removal.
To treat your ingrown toenail, contact Gotham Footcare in New York City for a consultation. They will be able to recommend an optimal treatment plan for you and get started on treating your painful ingrown toenail. Call or email today.
The biggest way to know if you need surgery is if you have tried to treat your ingrown toenail at home and have been unsuccessful. In addition, if there are signs of infection, such as extreme pain, pus, redness, or even fever, you should get medical care immediately. Finally, if you have a health condition such as bad circulation or nerve damage, you should avoid home treatment and seek treatment from a medical professional.
Not really. You will be numb for the duration of the procedure. However, after the procedure, if you wear shoes too soon, the pressure may be painful against your healing toe, especially if you have the entire toenail and/or toe bed removed. It’s important to follow doctor instructions to minimize discomfort and speed the healing process.
Most private health insurance companies will cover some if not all of the cost. If your insurance doesn’t cover the procedure or if you do not have insurance, there are financing and payment plans available.
At Gotham Footcare in NYC, we strive at recognizing your individual needs and desired outcomes while formulating an effective and personalized treatment plan with the highest quality care available.
What sets Gotham Footcare apart from other podiatry offices is our dedication to providing you with the education you need to make well-informed decisions regarding your care. Regardless of what your foot and ankle trouble may be, at Gotham Footcare our team will work tirelessly to help you feel better. At Gotham Footcare, we help you put your best foot forward.
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