Is Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery Necessary? A Podiatrist Explains

When the edge of the nail grows and penetrates the surrounding skin, it leads to a painful condition called ingrown toenail. This can subsequently lead to inflammation and, if not taken care of at the earliest, can lead to infection. You can manage these cases at your home by seeking advice from your podiatrist, but surgical intervention might be required if it becomes infected and remains persistently unaddressed. So, let's get to know when you have to go through surgery to treat ingrown toenails. 

·         Causes and Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are usually a condition of an underlying health issue such as fungal infection or wearing tight footwear. It can also result from improper nail cutting or any foot injury. To identify an ingrown toenail condition, you need to check the symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or sharp pain when walking. You can also find pus formation if the condition starts getting infected. Moreover, neglecting the nail for a few days can lead to a painful fleshy growth condition called botryomycoma, which requires surgical treatment.

·         Non-Surgical Treatments

At first, you can try home remedies to bypass surgical treatment. So, start by soaking your feet in an antiseptic solution, which would reduce the inflammation. Then, try not to aggravate the nails, and wear broader and more comfortable shoes. You must lift the nails slightly off the skin using cotton or bandages. Suppose you are unable to cope with these homely practices. In that case, the nail has already become infected, and you need a much broader treatment, which involves booking appointments with the podiatrist, antibiotics, or even surgery.

·         When is Surgery Required?

If the ingrown toenail becomes severe and you are unable to bear the pain or deal with the condition, then you have to get surgery. This mainly occurs if the toenail has become chronically infected or the podiatrist cannot treat it with non-surgical methods as it has become resistant. Also, if there are signs of systemic infection or any other complications, such as limiting your walking ability or wearing shoes, then surgery is a must. 

·         What are the Surgical Options?

There are multiple options that are there. Go through https://feetfirstpodiatry.com.sg/ingrown-toenail-removal-surgery-treatment to know more about consulting a podiatrist and surgical options. 

1.      Partial Nail Avulsion

In this surgery, the affected nail section is removed, and the nail bed is sterilized so that the condition does not recur and the chances of regrowth are eliminated.

2.      Matrixectomy

In this surgical approach, the nail matrix is either partially or completely removed, which prevents ingrown toenails. Local anesthesia is used, and the surgery takes around 30 minutes to complete. You have to go through routine post-surgery care, which includes regular dressing, avoiding tight footwear, and using the prescribed medicines.

Conclusion

When you are getting surgery done, it addresses the root cause of the ingrown toenail. Thus, you do not have to face another recurrence. You can choose the minimally invasive method, which increases the recovery time and minimizes surgical risk. 

Most importantly, you must maintain your foot hygiene and take proper care of the nail to prevent such incidents. Moreover, you must trim the nails straight and avoid short or rounded edges.