Ingrown Toenail Removal

Our goal at Wilks Advanced Foot Care, is always to treat your foot and ankle issues by using conservative, nonsurgical methods. Sometimes, like with difficult and recurrent ingrown toenails, this is simply not possible. When you have a nail that repeatedly causes pain, swelling, and redness in the surrounding skin, it might be time for ingrown toenail removal. We will certainly attempt other treatment methods before we get to the point of recommending a complete nail removal, but this is usually a necessary option when the issue repeatedly happens to the same nail. For toenail removal, we start by giving you some local anesthesia via an injection. Once the toe has been sufficiently numbed, we use special tools to cut the nail down towards the bottom. At this point, we will pull either part of or the entire nail off. Due to the anesthesia, this will not be painful for you. Given that this procedure is reserved for nails that repeatedly become ingrown, we will use a chemical to prevent the nail from growing back. In its place, your body will create hard skin to replace the previously sensitive tissue covered by the nail. Following your procedure, there are a handful of things to keep in mind. We will apply antibiotic ointment afterwards, but you will need to use it a couple of times daily until the area has completely healed. This will reduce the risk of infection, soothe the toe, and promote faster healing. Wear loose-fitting footwear and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for a few weeks after the problem nail has been removed. Avoid strenuous activity, including running and jumping, during this time. Tight-fitting and high heeled shoes should also be avoided. Showering after a complete nail removal is fine, but avoid swimming, baths, or other methods of soaking your toe for the next couple of weeks. Try to keep it clean and dry, to prevent infection. Additionally, replace your bandage after washing and also if it becomes soaked with blood or fluid. You should keep it bandaged for at least one week following the surgery. Stay alert for signs of infection and call our office if you observe increased swelling, pain, or drainage.

Wilks Advanced Foot Care can provide the treatment you need for ingrown toenails. Hopefully we are able to catch the condition early and prevent a recurring situation, but you can take comfort in the fact that we are able to expertly conduct an ingrown nail removal. No matter which toe, foot, or ankle is affecting your or your loved ones, we are here to help. Call us today at (541) 673-0742 to schedule an appointment or contact our Roseburg, Oregon office online right now.

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