At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we understand that toenail issues can be a painful and frustrating experience. One common treatment for severe ingrown toenails or other toenail problems is toenail removal. While it may sound daunting, this procedure can provide significant relief and improve your overall foot health. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to expect from toenail removals, from the procedure itself to the recovery process.

Understanding Toenail Removals

Toenail removals, also known as nail avulsion, is a surgical procedure performed by a podiatrist to address persistent toenail problems. These problems often include ingrown toenails, recurring infections, or nails that have been damaged beyond repair. The procedure involves removing all or part of the affected toenail.

Reasons for Toenail Removals

There are several reasons why a podiatrist might recommend toenail removal:

• Ingrown toenails: When the corner or side of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, it can cause pain, inflammation, and infection.
• Nail infections: Chronic or recurrent nail infections that don’t respond to other treatments may require toenail removal.
• Nail trauma: Severe injuries to the toenail that result in damage or deformity may necessitate removal.
• Fungal nail infections: In some cases, persistent fungal infections that cause nail thickening or discoloration may be treated with toenail removal.

The Toenail Removal Procedure

The toenail removal procedure is typically performed in a podiatrist’s office under local anesthesia. The steps involved include:

• Numb the toe: The podiatrist will inject a local anesthetic into the toe to numb the area.
• Nail removal: The podiatrist will carefully remove the affected portion of the toenail or the entire nail, depending on the severity of the problem.
• Wound care: The podiatrist will clean the area and dress the wound to prevent infection.
• The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you can typically go home the same day.

Toenail Removal Recovery

After the toenail removal procedure, it’s essential to follow your podiatrist’s aftercare instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery process:

• Pain management: You may experience some discomfort or pain after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain.
• Dressing changes: You’ll need to keep the wound clean and covered with a dressing for the first few days.
• Foot care: Avoid soaking your foot in water and wear loose-fitting shoes to protect the toe.
• Nail regrowth: It may take several months for the toenail to grow back completely.

Potential Complications of Toenail Removals

While toenail removal is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential complications, including:

• Infection: Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection.
• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common, but excessive bleeding should be reported to your podiatrist.
• Ingrown toenail recurrence: In some cases, the toenail may grow back ingrown.
• Nail deformity: The newly grown nail may have an abnormal shape.
• It’s important to note that these complications are relatively rare and can usually be managed effectively with proper care.

FAQs

Q: Is toenail removal painful?

A: The procedure itself is not painful because local anesthesia is used. You may experience some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, but over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the pain.

Q: How long does it take to recover from toenail removal?

A: Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Most people can resume normal activities within a few days, but complete healing may take several weeks.

Q: Can I prevent ingrown toenails after toenail removal?

A: While there’s no guarantee of preventing ingrown toenails, practicing good foot hygiene, cutting your toenails straight across, and wearing properly fitting shoes can help reduce the risk.

Q: Will my toenail grow back after removal?

A: Yes, your toenail will eventually grow back, but it may take several months. The new nail may have a different shape or thickness.

Conclusion

Toenail removals can be an effective solution for various toenail problems. While the procedure may seem daunting, it can provide significant relief and improve your overall foot health. By understanding the procedure, recovery process, and potential complications, you can make informed decisions about your toenail care. If you have concerns about your toenails, schedule an appointment with our podiatrist at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona.