When Is Toenail Removal Necessary?

28 Dec When Is Toenail Removal Necessary?

Toenail Removal?

Your toenails go through a lot. They’re prime targets for conditions like toenail fungus, ingrown nails, and bunions. If you’ve tried everything and still have these conditions, it might be time to consider toenail removal surgery.

When You Need Toenail Removal

Some recurring toenail problems are so stubborn that your podiatrist may decide toenail removal is the only option. Although it seems extreme, toenail removal is a simple, straightforward procedure. It reverses many conditions and gives your feet a chance to start over with a healthy new nail.

You may think toenail removal is only for serious disorders, but the top cause of toenail removal is recurring toenail fungus. When topical and oral treatments don’t work, removing the afflicted toenail can give your feet a fresh start.

Make a New Start With New Nails

What are some other conditions that might lead to toenail removal?

• Ingrown toenails: This gives your toes the chance to grow back in the right shape and direction.
• Toenail tumors: Nail removal is the best way to treat these tumors.
• Trauma to the nail: If your toenail has broken, it might be best to remove it.
• Nail warts: Your nails can develop warts, and the best way to get rid of them is to take out the toenail.
• Onychogryphosis: Also known as “ram’s horn toenails,” this is a condition that causes the toenails to grow extremely long and curved like a ram’s horn.

Your doctor may also decide to remove your toenail to perform a biopsy or apply a treatment directly to your nail bed.

What Happens During a Toenail Removal Procedure?

Your doctor can perform the surgery in about 20 minutes in their clinic. You will get a local anesthetic and a prescription for pain medication. It is a safe, simple procedure that rarely results in complications.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Your foot care doctor injects an anesthetic into the skin around your toe.
• The doctor then uses a special tool to remove the toenail.
• Your doctor applies a bandage to the surgical wound.

How Long Does It Take for a Nail To Grow Back?

It takes about a year for a toenail to grow out. Follow your doctor’s instructions for care of your nail bed during this year. Keeping your nail bed healthy is the best way to ensure your new nail grows in properly.

Recovery From Toenail Surgery

In most cases, you heal quickly after toenail removal. Your wound will close in about a week, and it should heal completely in about two weeks.

Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on aftercare following the surgery. Typically, you keep the bandage on for 24 hours. After you remove the bandage, soak the affected toe in warm water and Epsom salts for 20 minutes a day.

You’ll be able to walk normally after two or three days.

Permanent Toenail Removal

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend permanent toenail removal. In this procedure, your podiatrist destroys the nail matrix to prevent a new toenail from growing. The matrix is the part of the nail bed that produces keratin to make nails.

This may be necessary in cases of severe, long-lasting infection or the development of scar tissue on the nail bed. During this procedure, your doctor will either remove the matrix surgically or dissolve it with a chemical.

Get Relief from Longstanding Problems

Toenail surgery is an excellent solution for many nail problems. Most people experience an amazing sense of relief after years of struggling with painful ingrown nails, misshapen nails, or embarrassing fungal nails. Even animals can get relief from their toenail problems with this surgery.

Talk Toenails With Us

At Shuman Podiatry & Sports Medicine, we can take care of all your toenail problems. If you have a severe, long-lasting condition, toenail removal is a safe, simple procedure that can bring you immediate relief. Contact us today to learn more.