The length of time it takes for a podiatrist to remove an ingrown toenail will depend on several factors, including the severity of the ingrown toenail, the age of the patient, and the experience of the podiatrist.
Generally speaking, a simple procedure to remove an ingrown toenail typically takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. If the ingrown toenail is more severe and requires additional correction, the procedure could take longer.
In addition, if a young child is receiving the procedure, it may take additional time due to the fact that the child is likely to feel more anxiety and require extra comfort. For an experienced podiatrist, the average time for most ingrown toenail procedures is usually about 25 minutes.
It is important to note, however, that the time needed for each procedure will vary and could take longer depending on the individual situation.
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Why is ingrown toenail surgery so painful?
Ingrown toenail surgery is incredibly painful because it involves cutting away a piece of the toenail, which can cause significant discomfort. Additionally, the procedure often results in a fair amount of bleeding, which can be quite uncomfortable and may even require stitches.
After the surgery has been performed, it can be very painful for the patient to walk or move the affected toe, as the area is still quite sensitive. Lastly, most doctors will prescribe antibiotics, which can also cause some discomfort as the body adjusts to them.
All in all, it’s no wonder why this surgery is so painful; it involves a lot of trauma to a small, delicate area.
Can you walk after ingrown toenail removal?
Yes, you can absolutely walk after ingrown toenail removal, but it is important to remember to take special care and ensure you take all the necessary precautions to ensure that your toe is healing properly.
If a part of your toenail was removed, it is important to wear an open-toe shoe to help ensure that the area is able to breathe. To also help prevent infection it is important to keep your wound clean and use a topical antibiotic cream until it has completely healed.
Additionally, it is important to protect your toe by wearing a bandage or tape. Depending on the type of removal procedure you had, your doctor may recommend you to wear a special cushion or pad to help reduce friction and pressure in the area.
Lastly, it is important to avoid running or other impact exercises until your toe has fully healed so you can avoid further injury.
Will podiatrist remove ingrown toenail on first visit?
It depends. Generally, a podiatrist may be able to remove an ingrown toenail during the first visit if the toenail is non-painful and the patient is relatively healthy. However, the podiatrist may need to perform additional tests to assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and underlying condition prior to treatment.
For example, they may take an x-ray to determine the extent of the ingrown toenail, or use imaging technology to look for signs of infection. It’s also possible that the podiatrist may refer the patient to another specialist before removal.
If the patient is experiencing pain or an infection, the podiatrist may recommend that they take an oral antibiotic before they attempt removal. Removing an ingrown toenail is a delicate procedure and the podiatrist needs to ensure that there is no risk of further complications.
Do you go to sleep for ingrown toenail surgery?
No, ingrown toenail surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure and doesn’t require the patient to go to sleep. There are typically two common types of ingrown toenail surgery: partial nail avulsion (PNA) and matricectomy.
Partial nail avulsion involves cutting away part of the toenail, while matricectomy involves removing a portion of the matrical tissue, or the tissue that causes the toenail to curve and dig into the skin.
Depending upon the severity, both procedures can be quite brief and typically take about 15-30 minutes. In many cases, the patient will receive a numbing shot near the site of the procedure and experience only minimal discomfort during the procedure.
In addition to the aforementioned two common types of ingrown toenail surgery, there are also two other types that can be used for more severe cases: phenolization and cryosurgery. Phenolization involves using an acidic solution to kill the tissue responsible for causing the ingrown toenail.
Cryosurgery, on the other hand, uses extremely cold temperatures to get rid of the problem tissue.
No matter which type of ingrown toenail surgery is needed to treat the problem, the patient will not have to be put to sleep. A numbing shot is usually all that is needed to make the patient feel comfortable enough to go through the procedure.
How long should you stay off your feet after toenail removal?
It is generally recommended that people stay off their feet for 48 to 72 hours after toenail removal. That means no walking, running, jumping, or other activities that involve putting pressure on the feet.
This will allow time for the area to heal and reduce the risk of infection. After 48 to 72 hours, it should be safe to gradually resume activities as recommended by your doctor. It is important to follow the specific advice of your doctor regarding activity and the use of crutches, as different people may need different levels of rest based on their individual circumstances.
Do doctors numb your toe when getting ingrown toenail removed?
Yes, doctors will usually numb your toe when getting an ingrown toenail removed. This numbing is usually done with a local anesthetic, which blocks nerve signals in the area and keeps you from feeling pain during the procedure.
The anesthetic also helps reduce swelling so that the doctor can better access the affected area. Depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail, the doctor may need to apply a protein-based paste to the affected area.
As an alternative to an anesthetic, some doctors may opt to provide a sedative or pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, instead. In any case, the doctor will discuss the anaesthetic procedure and any associated risks with you before the procedure.
How long after ingrown toenail surgery can I wear socks?
In general, it is recommended that you wait at least 2 weeks after your ingrown toenail surgery before wearing socks. After this period of time, it is generally safe to resume wearing socks, but it is important to take extra precaution and avoid any tight-fitting socks or any activity that could put extra pressure or strain on your toes.
Additionally, it is a good idea to take off your socks periodically to give your toes a break from any pressure or warmth from the socks. It is also important to wear a clean and dry pair of socks each day and avoid wearing the same pair multiple days.
Lastly, be sure to monitor your toes for any signs of infection or inflammation, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or pain. If any of these symptoms occur, it is advisable to speak with your physician right away.
Does the numbing needle hurt for ingrown toenails?
The numbing needle used for an ingrown toenail procedure should not hurt at all. The numbing agent is injected into the toe, and this should just feel like a slight pinch. After the anesthetic has kicked in, you should no longer be able to feel the procedure being performed.
The toe may remain numb for up to four hours afterwards, but the sensation should not be painful in any way. Some people may experience a bit of discomfort around the injection site, but this should go away quickly.
The numbing needle is designed to help the procedure be as easy and pain-free as possible, and most people don’t feel any significant pain during this stage. It’s important to be honest with your doctor if you do experience more than a slight pinch as they can help you manage your discomfort.
