Everything You Need to Know About Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort and pain caused by ingrown toenails? If so, it might be time to consider surgery. While the thought of going under the knife may seem daunting, an ingrown toenail is a relatively simple procedure that can provide long-lasting relief.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ingrown toenail surgery, from what causes them in the first place to what happens during and after your procedure. So sit back, relax, and get ready to say goodbye to pesky ingrown nails!
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of your toenail grows into soft flesh. This can happen when you trim your toenails too short, wear shoes that are too tight, or have an injury to your toenail. Ingrown toenails can be painful and cause swelling, redness, and infection. If you have an ingrown toenail, you may need surgery to remove the nail.
Why Do People Get Ingrown Toenails?
There are a few reasons why people might get ingrown toenails. One reason is tight shoes. If your shoes are too tight, they can crowd your toes and put pressure on them. This can cause your nails to grow into the skin around them. Another reason is not trimming your nails properly.
If you don’t trim your nails straight across, the corners of your nails can grow into the skin around them. Ingrown toenails can also be caused by an injury to your toe or nail. If you stub your toe or drop something on your foot, it can damage your nail and cause it to grow into the skin around it.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it can be painful and uncomfortable. You might have redness, swelling, and warmth around your toe. You might also have pain when you walk or pressure on the side of your toe where the ingrown nail is. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away so they can treat the problem before it gets worse.
How Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Performed?
The surgery is performed by making a small incision in the side of the toe to remove the ingrown nail. The area is then numbed with a local anesthetic, and the surgeon makes a cut in the side of the toe. The ingrown nail is removed, and the area is bandaged.
What Are The Risks Of Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
There are a few risks associated with ingrown toenail surgery, but they are relatively minor. The most common complication is an infection, which can usually be treated with oral antibiotics. There is also a small risk of nerve damage, which can cause numbness or tingling in the toe. In very rare cases, there may be a need for a second surgery to correct any complications.
How Can I Prevent Getting An Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful and, if not treated properly, can lead to serious infection. There are several things you can do to prevent getting an ingrown toenail:
- Wear shoes that fit properly and do not pinch or rub your toes.
- Trim your nails straight across, avoiding round corners.
- File the edges of your nails after trimming.
- Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes each day.
- Gently massage the skin around your nails with a soft toothbrush.
- If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood circulation, see your doctor regularly to have your nails trimmed and checked for ingrown toenails.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenail surgery is an effective solution for treating and preventing the recurrence of ingrown toenails. While it may seem intimidating, with proper pre-operative care and post-operative care, the procedure can be relatively safe and painless. However, if you’re still unsure or uncomfortable about having this type of surgery done, speak with your doctor beforehand to make sure that it’s right for you. Ultimately though, if you do decide on going through with surgical treatment for ingrown toenails, then chances are high that you will experience a significant improvement in your condition by taking this route.
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