Nail Surgery
Ingrown toenails can be very painful and normally do not resolve without removal of the aggravating nail spicule or jagged edge. Permanent ingrown toenail surgery is necessary if ingrown toenails are recurrent or very severe.
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail (onychocrypoosis) occurs when the edge of the toenail penetrates and breaks the skin of the toe. This can be painful and often results in an infection, swelling, pain and redness in the area.
Should I Have Toenail Surgery?
Not everyone requires surgery for their ingrown toenail. Sometimes correct cutting of the nail is the best way to treat an ingrown nail. However, if the condition results in ongoing infections or is unable to be managed conservatively, then surgery may be required.
What Is Toenail Surgery?
Toenail surgery involves the permanent removal of the part of your toenail which is ingrowing. The amount of nail that is required to be removed will be discussed with you by your podiatrist. The surgery is quick (about 20 – 30 minutes) and you will be able to walk out immediately after the procedure. There is a small chance that the nail will grow back.
General Risks of Nail Surgery
The nail edge or part of the nail edge may regrow in 3-5% of cases. Infection of the wound can occasionally occur postoperatively.
What Will Happen During The Surgery
Your toe will be injected with a local anaesthetic to numb the area. A tourniquet will be applied to your toe to help control bleeding during the surgery. The toenail will then be cut and the ingrown part removed. A chemical called phenol is applied to the root of the nail. This chemical will stop your nail from regrowing. The tourniquet will be removed and a dressing will be applied to your toe.
After The Surgery
After the surgery you will need to rest at home with your foot elevated to help manage bleeding and swelling. Pain-relieving medication such as Paracetamol may be used if needed but avoid blood thinning medication like Aspirin, Voltaren and Nurofen. Keep your foot clean and dry and leave the dressing on until your appointment the next day.
Things To Remember
- Organise transport of the day of the surgery
- Wear open-toed sandals to fit the surgical dressing
- Obtain antiseptic and dressings such as Betadine Antiseptic Liquid and Primapore dressings from the pharmacy.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you with Nail Surgery, please feel free to contact us on 08 7120 6063 or Book Online through our website. We look forward to seeing you at Leading Edge Podiatry (formerly Complete Podiatry Blackwood)!!
FAQ's
You don't usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, DVA/NDIS, Workcover& Medicare Chronic Disease Programme patients will need documentation before their initial appointment.
NDIS patients who are on a managed plan we will need to know your Plan Manager's contact details and approval for assessment.
Workcover patients we will require case manager details and approval details for assessment.
Medicare Chronic Disease Patients (e.g. Diabetes, Heart Disease), we will require an EPC referral form.
DVA patients will need a DVA patient referral. D904 form from your GP.
Please call us on 7120 6063 for further information.
Health Insurance: Podiatry comes under “Extras cover”. Private health insurance can vary from one health fund to the next. Before booking your appointment it’s always good to check your health fund policy to determine how much cover you will receive from your private health insurer. Leading Edge Podiatry is a Bupa Members First provider.
Medicare: If you have a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate to cover some of podiatry services under a Chronic disease management plan. Common chronic conditions include: Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood pressure & Heart Disease. Please note: Medicare appointments are NOT bulk billed.
NDIS: Patients that are on a managed plan we will need your NDIS number and details of your case manager and account details. For plan managed we prepare a Service Agreement and can invoice the plan manager.
DVA: You may be able to receive podiatry services if you have a Veteran Gold or are approved for specified foot conditions as DVA White Card.
We understand that life is unpredictable and you may not always be able to make your scheduled appointment. If you are unable to make an appointment please contact our reception at least 24 hours prior to cancel or arrange for another time. Please call us on 7120 6063 or email: admin@leadingedgepodiatry.com.au
Missed appointments and appointments cancelled without 24 hours notice may be charged a consultation fee.
Your private health fund card (if applicable). Any relevant medical records, test results, x-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds. A list of your current medications (if you have not filled in the new patient form before arrival). Any previous orthotics or insoles and a couple of pairs of shoes if you are suffering from foot pain.
Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health. They are healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat problems relating to your feet and lower limbs. They can also work with you to relieve pain, correct deformities, sporting injuries, help prevent foot conditions from occurring, as well as keep you active and mobile throughout your life.
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people with diabetes. Neuropathy (nerve damage), arthropathy (joint damage), vasculopathy (blood vessel damage), and other complications, most of which can be avoided or delayed with annual foot exams and treatment.
Yes, our podiatrist Jason Kuang is endorsed for schedule medicines. He can prescribe medicines for common foot ailments e.g.: antibiotics, antifungal, gout medications.
We do treat children of all ages, if your child is experiencing pain in their ankles or feet, it's a sign that you need to see a podiatrist. Pain isn't a normal sign of growth and it should be professionally assessed, diagnosed, and treated where necessary. Our podiatrists are very experienced in helping young children with feet issues.
At Leading Edge Podiatry, we have a limited footwear selection, including brands like Archies thongs and slides, Revere sandals.
Case Studies
