When Ingrown Toenail Surgery Is Needed
Ingrown toenails can be painful and may require surgery if they repeatedly grow into the skin or lead to infection. Ingrown toenail surgery is often considered when conservative care fails or if the nail causes swelling, drainage, or difficulty walking. During this procedure, a podiatrist may remove part or all of the nail, and, in some cases, also treat the nail bed to help prevent the problem from returning. The surgery may also involve removing built-up tissue surrounding the nail or draining infected fluid. To reduce the chance of future issues, the remaining nail edge is shaped to avoid pressing into the surrounding skin. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, and the foot must be kept clean afterward to support healing and lower the risk of infection. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition of the toe and determine whether surgery is the best choice for relief. If you have a problem ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
- Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
