Ingrown Toenail Surgery in Point Cook
An ingrown toenail can be painful and prone to infection. When it keeps returning or does not settle with home care, minor surgery to remove the ingrown edge is available at the clinic.
What causes it
An ingrown toenail happens when the side of the nail grows into the skin next to it, most often on the big toe. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, tight or narrow shoes, sweaty feet, an injury and the natural curve of your nails can all play a part. Teenagers and young adults are often affected.
Care at home for mild cases
Early, mild cases often settle without surgery. Soak the foot in warm water a couple of times a day, keep the area clean and dry, and wear shoes with room for your toes. Resist digging out the corner of the nail, as this tends to make things worse.
People with diabetes or poor circulation in the feet should see a GP rather than treating it themselves, because small foot wounds can become serious quickly.
Signs of infection
Increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus and redness spreading along the toe suggest infection. An infected toe needs to be seen, and a GP will decide whether antibiotics, a procedure or both are the right next step.
When surgery is considered
- Persistent soreness beside the nail
- Repeated infections
- A problem that comes back after earlier treatment
- No improvement despite several weeks of home care
Getting ready for the procedure
Mention blood thinners, diabetes, circulation or healing problems, and any past reaction to local anaesthetic when you book. A badly infected toe may need treatment before surgery goes ahead.
- Wash your feet that morning
- Wear open or roomy footwear
- Arrange a lift home, as the foot will be numb
How the nail edge is removed
Local anaesthetic is injected at the base of the toe. The injection stings briefly, and once it takes effect you should feel pressure rather than pain. The ingrown strip of nail is then removed, and the nail bed on that side is often treated so the strip does not regrow. A dressing goes on at the end, and you go home the same day. Simply removing the edge without treating the nail bed is quicker, but the problem is more likely to return.
Recovery
Rest with the foot raised for the first day. Driving is not safe while the foot is numb, and returning to work depends on how much time you spend standing or walking. Follow the dressing instructions you are given, and keep the toe clean as the wound dries out. Discomfort is normal once the anaesthetic wears off, so ask your doctor about suitable pain relief. Avoid sport and tight shoes until the toe has healed, which commonly takes a couple of weeks. Worsening pain, spreading redness or a fever should be checked.
The treated nail will be narrower than before. Occasionally the edge grows back into the skin, and a return visit is worthwhile if symptoms come back.
Stopping it recurring
Trim toenails straight across, level with the tip of the toe, using clippers rather than scissors, and file any sharp corner instead of cutting it away. Choose shoes and socks that do not squeeze, and keep feet clean and dry. People with diabetes should look at their feet regularly and raise any sore or change with their GP early.
Fees and bulk billing
This procedure is listed on our fees page, with the Medicare rebate and out-of-pocket fee. Fees can vary with the doctor and the complexity of the procedure, so please confirm when you book.