NAIL SURGERY HARBORNE, BIRMINGHAM

Nail Surgery in Harborne, Birmingham

When your podiatrist at The podiatry Clinics Harborne, Birmingham diagnoses a toenail abnormality, he may recommend nail surgery. The most prevalent malformations and causes are as follows:

1. An ingrowing toe nail
2. excessively curved nail (involution)
3. excessively wide nails
4. thickened nails due to fungal infection or trauma
5. incorrect cutting of the nails

These disorders cause the skin to enlarge and press against the nail, resulting in pain. This could result in an infection that needs to be treated right away. These are issues that diabetics and other high-risk patients should be concerned about.

If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, but they will not treat the condition on their own. The infection and pain will return or persist after the drugs have worn off unless the cause (the nail) is addressed.

Conservative treatments can help prevent discomfort or illness, but they won't solve the condition. Surgery is advised if the problem recurs frequently or if the condition is severe (develops quickly).

Procedure of Nail Surgery in Harborne, Birmingham

The procedure is generally performed under local anaesthetic via injection into the toe to numb the area. The anaesthetic will most often wear off in about two hours.

Once numb, a tight elastic ring called tourniquet is applied to the toe to control bleeding and the area is prepped to minimise the risk of infection.

The portion of nail to be removed nail is then gently lifted and resected, generally without the toe being cut or stitched. Both sides or the entire nail may be removed this way. A chemical is used to assist in preventing nail regrowth.

Once the procedure is completed, the tourniquet is removed and a sterile surgical dressing is applied. The patient is able to walk immediately afterwards, however assistance getting home is strongly recommended.

What happens after the procedure?

You'll need to make an appointment for a checkup the next day. You will be taught how to change your own dressing on a daily basis here. Following that, dressing changes and monitoring of the healing process will be performed every two weeks. The dressings must be kept dry.

If you have any concerns or issues, please call us and we will either give you advice over the phone or schedule a time for you to return as soon as possible. A few consultations with our team of podiatrists in Harborne, Birmingham may be required after following the procedure. Minimal pain relief medication is required.

What are the potential complications?

All nail procedures have been associated with a slight chance of recurrence. Infection whilst the wound is healing can be an issue. Our Podiatrist in Harborne, Birmingham can advise you and manage these and other complications that may occur.

All surgical procedures have some risk of complication; however this procedure is associated with a low rate of complications.

How we can help you?

Regular visits can manage and prevent ingrown toenails, alleviate pain, and help keep your on your feet and mobile.