Nail surgery is a routine minor procedure, done under local anaesthetic, to relieve discomfort from ingrown and painful toenails. This is done by removing the section of toenail causing the problem. This may mean removing the entire toenail, or just a section from the side. The podiatrist will usually treat the area where the nail grows from with a chemical to prevent it from growing back.
About Nail Surgery
If you are having problems with ingrowing or painful toenails, the podiatrist will carry out an assessment to check whether you are suitable for surgery. This will involve checking your medical history and your circulation. The assessment may take place in a clinic or over the telephone.
The podiatry service carries out the surgery at the following venues:
- Blaydon Primary Care Centre, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5NW
- Gateshead Health Centre, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 1NB
Points to Consider
When considering this surgery, it is important to let the podiatrist know if you have had any reaction to local anaesthetics in the past. Although extremely rare, there is a possibility that you may have an extreme allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. The Podiatrist has been trained to deal with this. There is also the possibility of nerve damage, though this is extremely rare.
There is a possibility that all, or part, of your nail may grow back again, although this happens only in a minority of cases.
You will need to consider the type of footwear you will use until your toe has healed. Podiatrists suggest wide fitting, roomy footwear because any footwear that squeezes the toe may delay the healing process.
On the Day of Surgery
You are able to eat as normal before this procedure.
The podiatrist may recommend that you apply some special cream to your toe at home prior to the procedure. You will be given instructions if this is necessary.
Bring along some water to drink to keep hydrated.
Bring along your comfortable footwear for after the procedure.
The procedure normally takes no longer than one hour.Bring suitable footwear on the day of surgery that will not apply pressure to the toe so that you can wear them after the surgery.
In order to treat the toenail we use local anaesthetic. This is done by injecting into your toe. This numbs the area so that you will not feel pain.
A special tourniquet is applied so that the toe does not bleed during the procedure.
Once the painful toenail (or part of the toenail) is removed, a chemical called Phenol is applied. This destroys the growth part of the nail.
The tourniquet is removed and there may be some mild bleeding at this point. A dressing will be applied to keep the area clean when you leave the clinic.
It is important that you look after your toe, which means applying clean dressings for several weeks until the toe is healed. The podiatrist will advise you how to do this.
Following Nail Surgery
We advise that you do not drive immediately after the procedure due to the effects of the local anaesthetic, as this may affect your insurance. Please arrange for a relative or friend to take you home.
We advise that you rest after this procedure, as it is likely that you will experience some pain once the anaesthetic begins to wear off later in the day. You will be advised on appropriate pain relief.
You may be asked to attend for further dressing appointments, as necessary. You will be shown how to dress the toe yourself, so that you can do this at home or arrange for dressings with the practice nurse if you are physically unable to do so.
You will not be provided with any dressings. You are expected to provide suitable non adherent dressings and tape for your own self-care before the scheduled nail surgery and your podiatrist will advise which you should buy. We will supply you with tubegauze as this is a difficult item to purchase.
Occasionally, an infection may occur, in which case you should see a suitable health professional.
The healing time is variable but can take several weeks. It is important to keep your toe clean and dry, and change the dressing every three days until it has completely healed.
How to Dress Your Toe after Nail Surgery
link to be added