Should Your Podiatrist Cut In?
Toenails have the basic function of protecting the tips of the very sensitive toes. At the same time, nails are prone to injury, infection, and irregular growth. While some of these conditions are treatable at home, there are times when a podiatrist can help. A podiatrist deals with issues involving the feet and lower legs. From time to time, these specialists perform nail excisions. Here are 5 reasons why a podiatrist needs to cut in.
1. Chronic pain and tenderness
The pain can sometimes feel unbearable after stubbing the toe or noticing an ingrown nail. This pain can make walking or wearing shoes difficult. There are several over-the-counter remedies for toenails, but medical attention is necessary if the pain is consistent. Chronic pain and tenderness can accompany numbness and tingling. If there is an open wound, pus, or placing pressure on the foot is hard, nail excision may help.
2. Chronic redness or swelling
Acute paronychia is an infection around a toenail following an injury. Bacteria enter the broken skin causing an inflammatory response. This infection causes the skin surrounding the toenails to become red and painful, and blisters with pus can form. Antifungal medication or antibiotics such as amoxicillin can also be used as treatment. However, if these fail, visit the podiatrist again to discuss surgery.
3. Repeated infections of the tissue
Antifungal and antibiotic treatment helps in most infection, fungus, and injury cases. However, nail fungus and infections can be reoccurring issues. Wearing tight shoes, walking barefoot in wet environments, and a compromised immune system can cause repeated infections. Visiting or treating multiple infections in one year can signal the need to remove
4. Severe injury or bruising
Bruised, damaged toenails are common when a heavy object hits the toe. The nail can change color, which is a sign of bleeding under the nail bed. The more blood under the nail, the more unbearable the pain. The podiatrist may need to cut part or all the nail to reduce the pain. In some cases, the toenail may stop growing and fall off.
5. Beware ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common causes of nail pain. Ingrown toenails are nails that curve inward from the sides. This disorder can harm toenails and is often caused by wearing tight shoes and incorrect nail trimming. Trimming nails too short can cause problems, as the nail regrows into the toe’s fleshy area. This abnormal growth causes pain or even infection. The podiatrist will need to remove the nail and nail matrix.
Call on your podiatrist
For chronic pain, inflammation, and signs of injury or infection, see a podiatrist immediately. Toenail conditions are easily ignored but can become more serious if left untreated. If the doctor deems necessary, a nail excision can remove the pesky nail. This should bring much-needed comfort, especially when combined with preventative measures.
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FAQs
Call on your podiatrist. For chronic pain, inflammation, and signs of injury or infection, see a podiatrist immediately. Toenail conditions are easily ignored but can become more serious if left untreated. If the doctor deems necessary, a nail excision can remove the pesky nail.
When would a podiatrist remove a toenail? ›
What are some other conditions that might lead to toenail removal? Ingrown toenails: This gives your toes the chance to grow back in the right shape and direction. Toenail tumors: Nail removal is the best way to treat these tumors. Trauma to the nail: If your toenail has broken, it might be best to remove it.
When should I see a podiatrist for my nails? ›
If You Observe Certain Nail Changes
For prompt, effective treatment of your toe nail condition, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible, especially if you notice certain changes to your nails. These abnormalities may include toenail deformities, discoloration, or thickening.
What are the indications for nail plate removal? ›
Indications such as subungual hematomas and tumors, benign or malignant neoplasms and trauma may require access and visualization of the nail bed. Surgical nail avulsion may also be performed for therapeutic management of disease processes, to relieve pain or to correct or prevent anatomical deformities of the nail.
Will a podiatrist remove an ingrown toenail on the first visit? ›
For certain conditions, such as ingrown toenails, circulatory problems, fungal infections, or warts, treatment may be started at your first visit. They will also likely tidy up your feet, such as trimming your nails and removing any dry or thickened skin.
What does a stage 3 ingrown toenail look like? ›
Stage 3 ingrown toenail
At this stage, the inflamed skin has started to grow over the rest of the toenail, and pus is continuing to ooze out of the wound. You will want to make an appointment with a foot specialist as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms.
Can podiatrist do nail surgery? ›
At your initial consultation, your Podiatrist will decide whether nail surgery is recommended for you. If nail surgery is recommended and agreed upon, your Podiatrist will need to perform the required pre-surgical neurovascular assessments, and then rebook for nail surgery once approved.
What do podiatrist do with thick toenails? ›
Treatment for thickened toenails
Treatment involves cutting the nails and reducing the thickness with a special file or burr. Our podiatrists also have special tools that can help remove callus or corns from underneath the nail plate or sulcus which is a common cause of pain.
Do podiatrists cut toenails for the elderly? ›
Podiatrists cut toenails and play a crucial role by offering specialized care to maintain the health of elderly feet and enhance comfort while relieving pain. Not limited to diagnosis and treatment, podiatrists are equipped to provide essential services like toenail cutting and maintenance for seniors near me.
What is the difference between nail avulsion and nail excision? ›
Nail avulsion — Removing your whole toenail. Wedge excision — Removing part of your toenail where it is growing into the skin, along with the area of tissue in the corner that your toenail grows from.
Painless Procedure
The surgical removal of an ingrown toenail is a relatively quick procedure, typically taking about 10 minutes. During this time, you won't feel any pain due to the effectiveness of the local anesthetic.
When can you shower after toenail removal? ›
Leave the bandage on, and if you have stitches, do not get them wet for the first 24 to 48 hours. Use a plastic bag to cover the area when you shower. If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions.
Does insurance cover ingrown toenail removal? ›
Most insurances will cover surgery to treat an ingrown toenail. You'll want to check with your insurance plan to see if they cover the treatment before you visit a podiatrist.
Does it hurt when a podiatrist removes a toenail? ›
This is a really effective procedure for ingrown toenails and it can be done at the Podiatry Clinic. Sometimes people can feel reluctant to have some of their nail removed. We reassure patients that ingrown toenail surgery is a painless procedure as it's performed using a local anesthetic.
How painful is toenail removal? ›
Painless Procedure
The surgical removal of an ingrown toenail is a relatively quick procedure, typically taking about 10 minutes. During this time, you won't feel any pain due to the effectiveness of the local anesthetic.
Do toenails grow back after the podiatrist pulls them out? ›
When removing the toenail, there are two procedures that can be done in the office. The first is a temporary procedure that allows the toenail to grow back. The second is a permanent procedure called a matrixectomy. This procedure will “kill” the toenail, so it does not return.
Does removing a toenail get rid of fungus? ›
Toenail fungus actually lives not only on the nail but also on the nailbed itself. If the toenail is removed, this exposes the nailbed so that topical medications can penetrate the nail bed as the nail is growing back, which may result in a better efficacy of topical nail medications.
Does a lifted toenail need to be removed? ›
A: A new toenail will grow after the toenail is lifted off the nail bed and will eventually push the old toenail outward. It is best to remove the old toenail if it is loose.
