In-growing toenails mainly affect the greater toe and can be caused by footwear, trauma, sporting activities or could be hereditary. These often can be treated during a routine appointment however, if the nail bed is damaged this results in the nail growing abnormally up the side of the toe, the skin may become broken by the nail which could result with an infection, the toe can swell and antibiotics may be required.
In-growing Toenails or Onychocryptosis
click image to enlarge
Some patients have this condition for years as the nail bed will never right itself, here treatment on a regular basis is required by cutting the nail back along the side, however this is not a permanent solution.
Severe pain, infection or repeated occurrence may require a minor surgical procedure which is performed under strict sterile conditions and with the aid of local anaesthetic. This procedure will cure the problem with patients comfortably walking out of the clinic.
Surgical procedure available
Before the Operation
During the Operation
After the Operation
There are 3 main stages to remove in-growing toenails surgically:
- Firstly a small anaesthetic injection is given either side of the toe which is necessary to numb the area and is performed with a small dental needle. Sensation is checked to ensure complete loss of feeling temporarily. A small ring like tourniquet is then placed over the toe so that bleeding is minimal.
- Secondly, the offending side/sides of the nail are removed and a chemical called Liquefied Phenol is placed directly onto the nail bed and onto the cells that produce the offending piece of nail, this destroys these cells but only in this part of the nail bed so preventing this part of the nail from growing back.
- Thirdly, the tourniquet is removed and a dressing is put in place and the toe is bandaged.
Patients are asked to bring an open-ended toe shoe to accommodate the initial dressings which is left until 2-3 days later when it is removed by the Podiatrist at the first dressing appointment.
The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes and the patient can walk out. A day of rest after is recommended. A few weeks will pass where dressing appointments are given until the toe is completely healed.
It is important to note that most of the nail plate will remain with only the in- growing segment removed, however the nail plate will be narrower.
Partial Nail Removal (one side only)
Partial Nail Removal (both sides)
Total Nail Removal
“It is now three months since I finally plucked up courage to have the operation on my in-growing toenails and how I wish I had done it sooner!
Bless you both and thank you for all your skill and kindness on the day and for the expert aftercare I recieved until the toes healed.
It is wonderful to have no pain or discomfort now. Thank you.”Barbara Ayre ~ Trunch
“I have had pain for about ten years on both my big toenails. Randell’s Footcare removed the nails which was painless and extremely professional. I have had no pain since the operation and I would recommend this procedure.”
Mrs V Burtenshaw ~ Sheringham
“I am so grateful to you for the caring and professionalism you have offerd me following the procedure to remove the ingrowing toenail side of my big toe. From the skilled and expert surgery through to the amazing aftercare I am continually impressed by the attitude you both take to your patients. I cannot thank you enough for your excellent care and for the relief I now feel at the successful outcome.”
Claire Cunningham ~ Coltishall
“I am writing to say that I am very satisfied with the work carried out on my ingrowing toenail. When I came in with the problem you diagnosed it quickly and the subsequent operation was carried out promptly, the aftercare treatment was very satisfactory. It is so nice not to have a painful toe anymore and I must also say that throughout the operation and subsequently I have felt no pain whatsoever.”
Dennis Mynard ~ Sheringham
“Thank you for responding quickly when I informed you that I had an ingrowing toenail. I was a bit nervous of the procedure having had it done before elsewhere on my other big toe. However I was pleasantly surprised that I experienced very little pain either during or after the anaesthetic had worn off. The aftercare was very good with practical advice given. Now here we are two months later with a completely healed and painless big toe on which the nail will never grow again. A very satisfied patient.”
Mr I Scott ~ North Walsham
“My toe had been causing me pain for 18-24 months, however I’d been too worried about limping about for months after the operation that I’d put off getting anything done about it. I finally contacted Randell’s Footcare who booked me in straight away. To my surprise I found I was playing sports five weeks after the operation. Apart from the day after the entire process was pain free. If you have the same problem with your toe(s) as I had, I highly recommend the operation.”
Stephan Battrick-Newell ~ Beeston Regis
Find Out More
To find out more call our central booking line on 01603 737188, use our online booking request form, or send us an email.
i am booked in on Monday 12th at 9-30 and I am a bit concerned because Iam
on ASPRIN and if you have a tooth out they ask you to stop taking it at least a week before so is this alright as no one has mentioned it and being diabetic I have to be so careful. Also I would like to know how long it will be until I will be able to wear ordinary shoes.
regards PAT TAYLOR
Yes it is a good idea to stop taking Aspirin 3-4 days before the procedure as this helps to reduce any minor bleeding, we will redress your toe a couple of days after your operation and then you can where your ordinary footwear.