An ingrown toenail can cause discomfort, often leading individuals to seek medical attention. Many wonder about pain management during the procedure. This article addresses common questions about ingrown toenail removal, focusing on how comfort is ensured.
How Your Toe Is Numbed
Before an ingrown toenail removal, your toe will be numbed using a local anesthetic. This is administered via injections, typically at the base of the affected toe, to block the nerves that transmit pain signals. The most common anesthetic agents used include lidocaine, sometimes combined with bupivacaine, which provides a longer-lasting numbing effect.
During the injection, you might experience a brief stinging or pinching sensation. As the anesthetic takes effect, the toe will gradually become numb.
Once the toe is fully numbed, you should not feel any sharp pain during the actual removal procedure. You may still feel pressure or a pulling sensation. The numbing effect typically lasts for several hours, ensuring comfort throughout and immediately after the procedure.
The Ingrown Toenail Removal Process
After the toe is completely numb, the podiatrist proceeds with the ingrown toenail removal. This is typically a quick procedure performed in a clinic setting. The most common technique is a partial nail avulsion, where only the portion of the nail that is growing into the skin is removed. In some cases, if the entire nail is problematic, a total nail avulsion may be performed, though this is less frequent.
The podiatrist removes the ingrown section of the nail. After this, a chemical, most commonly phenol, is often applied to the nail matrix. This chemical prevents that specific section of the nail from regrowing, offering a more permanent solution to recurrent ingrown toenails.
While the toe remains numb, you might still perceive sensations of pressure or movement during the procedure. The entire process typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Following the removal and chemical application, the area is cleaned, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following ingrown toenail removal, proper recovery and aftercare are important for healing and preventing complications. Immediately after the procedure, your podiatrist will apply a dressing to the toe. This initial dressing usually needs to stay on for 24 to 72 hours.
After this initial period, you will be instructed to change the dressing daily. Soaking the foot in warm water, sometimes with Epsom salts, can help soften the dressing for easier removal. After soaking, gently dry the toe and apply an antibiotic ointment before applying a fresh, sterile dressing. Keeping the wound clean and dry, except during soaks, is important to prevent infection.
Some discomfort is normal once the local anesthetic wears off, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Most individuals can resume light activities within a few days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for two to three weeks. Wearing loose-fitting or open-toed shoes is recommended to avoid pressure on the healing toe. Full healing can take between two to six weeks. Monitor for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, pus, a bad smell, or fever, and contact your healthcare provider if these occur.