Ingrown toenails are a commonly encountered podiatric complaint. Although they may appear insignificant, ingrown toenails can be bothersome or painful when they result in swelling, redness, heat, pus, and interfere with regular living. Often, people will attempt home remedies or ignore the problem altogether until such time they encounter intolerable pain. In such cases, ingrown toenail surgery in Houston may provide you with safe and effective, permanent relief and ultimately get you back to walking comfortably.
Most people experience tenderness along the toenail edge, painful redness, or a sharp pain when their toe touches the side of their shoe. You are not alone! Our highly trained staff at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center takes pride in providing you with advanced, effective, and compassionate treatment of ingrown nails. Patients will benefit from individualized care by a board-certified podiatrist in Houston TX. You will reap the rewards of a functional foot eliminating pain from ingrown toenails.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the nail grows into the surrounding skin at the side or corner of the nail. While this mostly occurs with the big toe, it can develop with any nail. Once the nail breaks the skin, pain, irritation, and swelling occurs. If it is not treated, these symptoms may progress to infection which can lead to increased symptoms and complications.
Some of the most common causes include
Wearing tight or narrow shoes that put pressure on the toes
Incorrect nail trimming, especially cutting nails too short
Genetics and natural nail shape
Repeated trauma from sports or physical activity
Fungal infections that thicken or distort the nail
Excessive sweating that softens surrounding skin
Understanding the cause of your ingrown toenail is the first step in choosing the right treatment approach.
Symptoms That Indicate You May Need Professional Care
While mild cases may resolve with warm soaks or the careful trimming of the nails, it is important for more advanced cases to receive attention from a foot doctor in Houston TX. Early treatment can help avoid advanced infections, and more extensive surgical procedures.
Seek medical care if you notice
Severe pain when touching the toe
Increasing redness or swelling
Pus or drainage from the edge of the nail
Skin growing over the nail corner
Difficulty wearing closed shoes
Persistent pain despite home care
Fever or spreading redness, which may indicate infection
Patients with diabetes, poor circulation or even prior foot infections should not attempt any home remedies for ingrown nails, as complications can develop rapidly.
Why Ingrown Toenail Surgery May Be Necessary
While conservative care may help in the initial stage, many patients experience ongoing issues. When an ingrown toenail repeatedly returns or fails to respond to conservative treatments, ingrown toenail surgery is the best long-term approach.
Surgery is recommended when
The nail repeatedly grows into the skin
There is a significant infection
A large portion of the nail is curved and pressing downward
The toe has become severely swollen
Pain continues for several weeks
A permanent solution is desired to prevent future recurrence
Surgical treatment is quick, effective, and performed by a skilled podiatrist in Houston TX to ensure comfort and optimal healing.
Types of Ingrown Toenail Surgery
There are two primary surgical options used to correct ingrown toenails. The recommended procedure depends on the severity of the condition and whether the issue is recurring.
Partial Nail Removal
This procedure is performed by excising only that portion of the nail that is ingrown. After anesthetizing the toe, the podiatrist will carefully lift and remove the offending portion of the nail. This immediately alleviates pain and allows for proper healing of the skin. A chemical or laser may be applied to eliminate the offending portion of the nail from growing back.
Total Nail Removal
In extreme cases, like when there is an infection of the entire nail, the podiatrist may suggest removing the entire nail when the nail has a significant enough curve to be a potential risk. This will give the area time to heal and for a new nail to grow. While in most cases the toenail will regrow, the medical needs of the patient may indicate permanent nail removal.
Both procedures will be performed, in-office, safely and take only minutes. Patient safety and comfort are always assured and most patients are back to normal activities shortly afterward.
What to Expect During Your Surgery Appointment
Ingrown toenail surgery is simple and minimally invasive. Here is what patients can expect during a typical visit at our Houston clinic.
Step one is a thorough examination by the podiatrist. The doctor evaluates the severity of the ingrown nail, checks for infection, and reviews your medical history.
Step two is numbing the toe using a local anesthetic. This keeps you comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
Step three is removing the problematic portion of the nail or the full nail depending on the treatment plan.
Step four includes cleaning, dressing, and bandaging the toe to support fast recovery.
The appointment is brief, and most patients walk out of the clinic immediately after the procedure with minimal discomfort.
Recovery After Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Typically, patients experience a quick and simple recovery. Most patients feel immediate relief when the ingrown portion of the nail is removed. Most people can expect mild soreness for a day or two, although it is typically relieved with over-the-counter medication.
Aftercare tips include
Keep the toe clean and bandaged as instructed
Avoid tight shoes until fully healed
Change dressings regularly
Keep the foot elevated for the first day
Avoid strenuous activity for a short period
Watch for signs of infection
Most people return to normal daily activities within twenty four to forty eight hours. The healing time may last from one to two weeks, depending on the surgery.
Why Choose a Foot Doctor in Houston TX for Your Surgery
When confronting a painful and lingering foot issue, it is important to select your provider with care. A specialist foot doctor is a medical professional with extensive training on foot anatomy, advanced surgical interventions, and forgo generalist aftercare methods.
At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, our skilled podiatrist in Houston TX provides
Customized treatment plans
Precise surgical correction
Patient centered care
Fast diagnosis and targeted treatment
A comfortable and supportive environment
Our goal is to alleviate your pain, maximize your mobility, and prevent the issue from occurring again so you can return to your normal daily life.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be exasperating, uncomfortable, and limiting in terms of lifestyle. If you’ve tried basic home remedies and they haven’t worked or the situation is going downhill quickly, you can get quick and effective relief with professional care. Ingrown toenail surgery Houston is safe and effective for managing chronic, and severe ingrown toenails, so you can walk comfortably.
DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center can help with all levels of care from conservative care to surgical treatment and help you set up for success when it comes to preventing ingrown toenails. Our knowledgeable podiatrist in Houston, TX pledges to provide high quality care and long term results to every patient.
If you are ready for pain free walking and healthy toenails, call us today to schedule your visit before you know it you will be on your way to comfortable feet again.
