Nail surgery

Nail surgery is a minor procedure commonly performed by podiatrists to treat persistent or painful ingrown toenails. It is typically recommended when conservative treatments, such as nail care, footwear modification or infection management, have not successfully resolved the problem.

Before considering surgery, the nail and surrounding tissue are carefully evaluated. This includes evaluating the nail shape, the severity and recurrence of the ingrown nail, the presence of infection or granulation tissue, and any contributing factors such as nail trauma, footwear pressure, or underlying nail deformity. The podiatrist will also review your medical history and circulation to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate.

The most common procedure performed is a partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy, where the affected edge of the nail is removed and a chemical agent (commonly phenol) is applied to the nail matrix to prevent that portion of the nail from regrowing. Evidence from podiatry and dermatological research shows that partial nail avulsion combined with phenolization has high success rates and low recurrence when performed correctly, making it one of the most widely recommended treatments for recurrent ingrown toenails.

The procedure is performed under local anesthetic to ensure the toe is completely numb and comfortable during treatment. The affected nail edge is removed and the matrix treated to reduce the likelihood of the nail growing back into the skin. The procedure is typically quick and performed in the clinical setting.

Comprehensive aftercare and follow-up are an important part of successful nail surgery outcomes. Patients are provided with clear instructions on dressing care, keeping the toe clean, and gradually returning to normal activities. Follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor healing, manage dressings and ensure the toe is recovering as expected. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a short period of time.

These assessments help identify abnormal movement patterns or biomechanical factors that may contribute to pain, injury or reduced performance. The information gathered allows the podiatrist to develop an individualised treatment plan, which may include footwear advice, strengthening exercises, or custom orthotic therapy to improve function and reduce strain on the feet and lower limbs.

Nail surgery

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