Do you have a recurring ingrown toenail and don’t know what to do?
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem we see here at Southern Podiatry. The treatment methods vary depending on how advanced the problem is and the individual needs of the patient too, so we’ll always tailor a treatment to you.
For patients whose ingrown toenail issues are long-term and recurring, ingrown toenail surgery is likely to be the best option. When conservative and non-invasive treatments are unsuccessful, surgery removing the nail edge (which doesn’t grow back) can be a better permanent solution to avoid continual discomfort and pain.
When is it time to consider toenail surgery?
- Chronic ingrown toenail
- Recurring ingrown toenail despite frequent conservative care
- Ingrown toenails that are negatively impacting your lifestyle, causing significant pain and footwear use problems
Types of Ingrown Toenail Surgery
During a pre-surgery consultation, Treena will explain the different surgery options, and work out the best plan for your ingrown toenail removal as there are a couple of options available. Partial Nail Avulsion with phenolisation (PNA) is the most common procedure; the side of the toenail is permanently removed while maintaining a natural look. In rare cases, a Total Nail Avulsion (TNA) surgery will be required, where the entire nail is removed to avoid any potential future complications.
Partial Nail Avulsion
PNA surgery permanently removes the side of the nail that is causing damage to the skin. It is a quick & routine procedure, normally used in simple cases of ingrown toenails that can’t be resolved with conservative treatments. It’s also preferred as the majority of the nail can be left attached.
Benefits
- A quick procedure – just 45 to 60 minutes
- A normal-looking nail is left after healing
- 98 per cent success rate
- Fixes the issue permanently
- A quick recovery time
Total Nail Avulsion
TNA surgery permanently removes the entire nail, normally carried out only when a severely damaged or thickened toenail causes recurring problems that the more simple PNA surgery will not fix. This is not the preferred treatment, but in rare cases it can be necessary to avoid future problems.
Benefits
- A permanent solution for the nail
- Won’t grow back
- 98 per cent success rate
- A quick procedure – just 45 to 60 minutes
- Rapid recovery rates
The Procedure
It is a quick and simple solution for painful ingrown nails. Once the toe is numbed, there are just four steps to follow.
Step One
After the toe is numbed, a tourniquet is applied to limit blood flow and the nail edge is cut and split from the nail plate.
Step Two
The cut nail edge is gently removed from the nail fold and any remaining fragments are removed. Extra tissue that has grown over the site will also be removed at this point.
Step Three
The phenol acid is applied to destroy the nail matrix and the toenail is flushed with a clean solution.
Step Four
The tourniquet is removed, the toe dressed with an antibiotic ointment and bandaged, and you can go home and relax.
We are very excited to announce that we are on the move. Commencing on Thursday 2nd February, we relocate from 12 Bowen St to 92 Queen St, Waiuku. We are still operating in our old location in the meantime, and for those clients with appointments from 7th February onwards, we will see you in the new clinic.
The premises have a history of being the Waiuku Medical Centre, so we will feel right at home in them. New signage is going up as we write this, so expect to see our notices and logo from a different perspective.
Cohabiting with Aurora Law- very excited.
Taping is something that gets easier the more you practice.
We have created a quick guide here for your reference. It is not a definitive guide, more of a recommendation to support a product that we absolutely love using.
Plantar Plate Taping- How to cut guide.
Plantar Plate Taping- How to apply guide.
The resources available on YouTube for Rocktape are also worth checking out.
Have fun, be creative and keep on moving.
Yes- you heard right. Me, myself and I- Miss Treena Harris- is headed to Middlemore Hospital. I haven’t been able to confirm it until now as my placement was very late notice but joyfully accepted. But remember this- it is only a loan. I will be coming back to Southern Podiatry.
Why?
Well- it is time. You may recall that I am a Registered Nurse as well as a Podiatrist. In order to keep our qualifications and receive an annual license to work within our profession of choice (also known as practicing certificates), you need to complete time in each profession.
What else do I need to let you know? Well…….. Continue Reading
Get on your bike and hit the road.
This is by far the best way to see the countryside and experience NZ. We were fortunate to use the services of a fabulous bicycle tour company called Cycle Surgery.
We decided to ride in costume. Think fitness guru from the 80’s Richard Simmons and twist it with a dash of “Absolutely Fabulous”. Knee high socks, sweat bands, oversized glasses, a Hawaiian leis and a headband with pigtails and a bow- what a treat!