INGROWN TOENAIL SURGERY

Ingrown toenails happen when a nail’s edge curves and digs into the nearby skin causing cause irritation, swelling, and sometimes infection. This common condition is particularly prevalent with adolescent boys.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery is an excellent permanent solution. Buderim Foot and Ankle specialise in Ingrown Toenail Surgery on the Sunshine Coast at our Buderim clinic.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and limit your ability to work, exercise and wear shoes comfortably. You may experience:

Tenderness or pain at the nail’s side.
Redness and inflamation around the nail.
Infection where the area feels warm, oozes fluid, and may develop a bad odour.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Incorrect Nail Cutting: Trimming nails too short or curving the edges promotes inward growth.
Narrow or Ill Fitting Footwear: Shoes that squeeze the toes, such as tight or pointed styles, push the nail into the skin.
Foot Trauma: Injuries from sports, stubbing, or ongoing pressure can alter nail direction.
Hereditary Traits: Some people inherit curved or thicker nails that are prone to ingrowing.
Moisture and Hygiene Issues: Sweaty feet or poor drying after activities create an environment for problems, especially among teens and athletes.
Underlying conditions such as diabetes or wound healing difficulties

Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Also called partial nail avulsion (PNA), this procedure is a permanent and painless solution for a recurring ingrown toenail. Surgery is recommended when a nail is repeatedly getting infected, painful, daily living becomes problematic, you’re unable to play sports, and/or you can’t wear footwear.

This pain-free procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic in our Buderim Podiatry clinic. We remove the offending nail and cauterise the base so this portion doesn’t grow forward again. There are no stitches required. The toe is cleaned and dressed then the patient is able to leave the same day.

Our experienced podiatrists assess your medical history, vascular status and healing capacity prior to this procedure being under taken.

Post Procedure

We recommend that you do not return to work or school on the same day of this procedure, however the next day is generally fine.
You need to go home an elevate your foot for 2 hours post procedure.
You’ll need to keep the dressing dry for 24hours so best to have your shower prior to the appointment.
You can go back to wearing enclosed footwear the next day after the procedure.
We recommend a follow up after 4 days to check for healing, infection and apply a new dressing.