If you have been visiting a podiatrist every few weeks to manage an ingrown toenail, you are not alone. Many people spend months going through the same cycle of treatment, relief, and recurrence. The good news is that there is a permanent solution available, and it is more straightforward than most people expect.
Why Do Ingrown Toenails Keep Coming Back?
Recurring ingrown toenails are usually caused by one of three things: the natural shape of your nail, the way you cut your nails, or ongoing pressure from footwear. In many cases, all three factors are at play at the same time.
Some people have nails that naturally curve at the edges as they grow. No matter how carefully they trim or how well they look after their feet, the nail will continue to grow into the surrounding skin. For these individuals, conservative treatment only ever provides short-term relief.
If you find yourself returning to the clinic every four to eight weeks for the same toe, your podiatrist will likely raise the option of nail surgery as a longer-term fix.
Signs That Nail Surgery May Be the Right Choice
You may be a good candidate for nail surgery if any of the following apply to you:
- Your ingrown toenail has returned two or more times after conservative treatment
- You are experiencing ongoing pain, redness, or swelling around the nail edge
- The area has become infected on more than one occasion
- Your lifestyle or work makes frequent podiatry visits difficult to manage
- You want a permanent solution rather than ongoing maintenance
It is worth noting that nail surgery is not always the first recommendation. Your podiatrist will assess the severity and frequency of your ingrown toenail before suggesting this route. You can read more about our initial ingrown toenail assessment process [internal link] to understand what that appointment involves.
How to Prepare for Your Nail Surgery Appointment
Preparation is simple, but there are a few things that will help the appointment go smoothly.
First, wear or bring open-toed footwear on the day. After the procedure, your toe will be dressed and you will not want anything pressing against it. Thongs or sandals are ideal.
Second, arrange for someone to drive you home. The local anaesthetic used during the procedure takes a few hours to wear off, so driving is not recommended on the day.
Third, let your podiatrist know about any medications you are currently taking, particularly blood thinners such as warfarin. Some medications can affect the healing process and your podiatrist will factor this into your treatment plan.
Finally, there is no need to fast or take time off work in most cases. Many patients return to light duties the following day, depending on how their foot responds.
What to Expect in the Weeks After
Healing from nail surgery typically takes three to six weeks, depending on your age and general health. Your podiatrist will schedule two follow-up appointments to monitor the wound and change your dressing. The first is usually two to three days after the procedure, and the second follows a week or so later.
During this time, keeping the area clean and dry between dressing changes is important. Your podiatrist will give you clear aftercare instructions before you leave the clinic.
Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is. The initial soreness usually settles within the first few days, and many people find the discomfort far less than they anticipated.
A Long-Term Solution Worth Considering
The procedure used at Sole-Lution Podiatry, known as a Partial Nail Avulsion with chemical matrixectomy, has a high success rate for preventing the nail from regrowing into the skin. For the right candidate, it removes the need for ongoing conservative treatment altogether.
If you are tired of managing the same problem every few weeks, it may be time to look at a more permanent option. Book an appointment with our team at Sole-Lution Podiatry and we can assess whether nail surgery is suitable for you.