One of the most common procedures or surgeries I perform as a foot doctor or podiatrist is ingrown toenail removal surgery. Over the years, patients have come to me with so many different questions about their ingrown toenails and the actual procedure. To learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about ingrown toenail removal surgery, continue to read below.
Top 14 FAQs About Ingrown Toenail Removal
Are ingrown toenails genetic?
Ingrown toenails have many causes including pressure from narrow shoes, trauma, and infection. Certain diseases or chronic health conditions can also increase the risk of nails curving in and becoming ingrown. Ingrown toenails can be genetic as well.
Who treats ingrown toenails?
A podiatrist or foot doctor is a doctor who specializes in everything foot and ankle-related, including ingrown toenail surgery. Seeing a podiatrist is a great option for ingrown toenail removal.
Are ingrown toenails contagious?
Ingrown toenails are not contagious because they are not directly caused by things that cause infection like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Ingrown toenails can not be spread from person to person.
How often do ingrown toenails come back?
Depending on the method used for ingrown toenail surgery, there is a risk of the ingrown nail coming back.
For an ingrown toenail removal that isn't done with a chemical to burn the root, known as a nail avulsion, there's about a 50% chance that the ingrown toenail will come back.
For ingrown toenails, the nail root is burned, also known as a nail avulsion with matrixectomy, two chemicals can be used: Phenol or Sodium Hydroxide. Both have their benefits and downsides, but usually, because sodium hydroxide is more aggressive of a burn, the risk of an ingrown coming back is the lowest when this is used.
Will ingrown toenails heal itself?
Often times when an ingrown toenail begins the nail won't be able to correct itself without either surgery or non-surgical ingrown toenail correction like Onyfix. Depending on how severe the ingrown toenail is, pain and symptoms at times can be managed with trimming the nail specifically but usually provide temporary relief at best.
How much does ingrown toenail surgery cost?
The cost of ingrown toenail surgery can be different depending on your location, and also where you do to have this procedure done. To view prices for ingrown toenail surgery here at Direct Podiatry Arizona, click on my pricing list here.
How long does an ingrown toenail take to heal?
Healing time for ingrown toenail surgery can be different from person to person. For a nail avulsion alone, healing time on average will take 2 weeks. For a nail avulsion with chemical destruction or matrixectomy, healing time can be upwards of 1 month.
What is the best thing to soak ingrown toenails in?
For my patients, after they have ingrown toenail removal surgery done, I usually prefer that they soak their toe in plain Epsom salt, without any essential oils added. The Epsom salt soak helps to soothe irritated and inflamed tissues and draw out any potential pus.
Can an ingrown toenail cause foot pain?
An ingrown toenail can cause foot pain because the pressure from the nail presses on the skin and soft tissues of your toe. An ingrown toenail can actually break the skin, growing deeper into your toenail, causing even more foot pain, and increasing your risk of infection.
Why does my ingrown toenail smell?
An ingrown toenail can smell for many different reasons. A bad odor or smell, especially an ingrown toenail that hasn't always smelled bad, can be one sign of infection. If you notice this, see a local podiatrist or foot doctor immediately.
When is an ingrown nail dangerous?
An ingrown toenail can be dangerous if it becomes infected. Infection in the most severe cases can lead to sepsis.
Can an ingrown toenail cause fever?
An ingrown toenail infection which is very severe can lead to fever. Other symptoms of severe infection are nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, go to your nearest ER.
Can an ingrown toenail cause tingling?
An ingrown toenail can cause tingling due to swelling, infection, and increased pressure on and around the nerves in your toe.
How much does ingrown toenail removal hurt?
How much ingrown toenail removal can hurt will be different from person to person, because everyone responds to pain differently. Usually the first day, because of the anesthesia given to you in the doctor's office, not much pain is felt. Days 2-3 usually someone will need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil. As the days go on, and healing takes place, your toe should hurt less and less. The pain from ingrown toenail removal does not require prescription pain medication.
Key Takeaways
Finding the right information for any health issue, or procedure you're considering undergoing can mean the difference between being empowered, feeling very confused, or having heightened anxiety. Hopefully, this list helped to answer some of your questions about ingrown toenail removal surgery.
Schedule Your Appointment at Direct Podiatry Arizona Today
Are you in need of ingrown toenail removal surgery and are looking for a podiatrist in Phoenix? My name is Dr. Tarr, and I am the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona in Tempe. To view my available appointment times, click here.
Comments