Toenail removal surgery typically takes between 30-90 minutes, depending on the number of toes being removed and if the removal is being done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia. During the procedure, your doctor will numb the toe and make a small cut in the side of your toenail to remove the entire toenail and its root.
The area is then cleaned and sterile dressing is applied. Following the procedure, there may be mild to moderate pain and swelling that usually subsides in a few days. It can take several weeks for the toenail to completely heal.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking antibiotics after your toenail removal surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
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How long will my toe hurt after toenail removal?
The amount of time it takes for your toe to heal after toenail removal depends on a variety of factors, such as the amount of tissue removed, how well you follow the post-procedure care instructions, and how quickly you heal.
It usually takes about two to four weeks for a toe to heal after toenail removal. During this time, the pain should gradually diminish.
Immediately after the procedure, your toe may be swollen, red, and bruised. You may experience some mild pain and discomfort. Applying a cold pack to the area can help reduce swelling and ease pain.
For the first couple of days, it’s important to keep your toe clean and dry, and to avoid submerging it in water. Depending on the areas of the nail bed that were removed, you may also be instructed to protect the area with a bandage or non‐stick gauze pad.
For the first two weeks, you should continue to clean and dress the wound daily and monitor it for signs of infection. Once the wound has healed, you should start to notice an improvement in your pain levels.
If your pain levels do not improve or worsen, you should contact your doctor. It’s important to follow their instructions closely to prevent any complications and ensure the wound heals properly. In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter medications to help manage your pain.
Should you stay off your feet after toenail removal?
Yes, you should stay off your feet after toenail removal. It is important to take it easy and give your body the rest and time it needs to heal. After the procedure, your feet may feel painful, swollen, and may be bleeding.
To help limit pain and swelling, you should keep your feet elevated by propping them up with a pillow while you are sitting or lying down. Keeping your feet elevated can also help the blood to flow away from the affected area and reduce swelling.
It is also important to avoid walking on the affected area, which could cause further pain and irritation. Additionally, you may be given a local anesthetic to numb the affected area, which will make it harder to feel your feet and can increase the risk of injury if you are not careful.
It is essential to keep your feet clean and dry while they are healing and dress the area with a sterile bandage. You should also avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes, as this could cause further irritation and discomfort.
Lastly, if you are experiencing excessive pain or signs of an infection, such as increased swelling and redness, it is important to contact your doctor for further advice.
How do I get my toenail to stop hurting after removal?
Getting your toenail to stop hurting after removal may take some time and patience. Depending on the size of your toenail and the method used for removal, you may experience varying levels of discomfort and pain.
When first removing the toenail, you should clean and dry the area. Anti-septic solution should also be applied to ward off any possible infections.
You can then apply an ice pack to the area to reduce any swelling. Pressure should be applied and held for 10-15 minutes at a time, multiple times a day.
You’ll also want to elevate your foot a few times a day in order to reduce inflammation. Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may also help with any soreness or pain.
Additionally, ensure the area is padded and keep it covered with bandages. Regularly clean and dry the area and replace the bandage if necessary. Once the nail is removed, the pain should go away in a few weeks.
When does pain go away after toe surgery?
The rate at which pain goes away after surgery is highly dependent on the specific type of toe surgery being performed and the individual’s overall health and well-being. In general, the initial pain and discomfort associated with toe surgery can start to decrease within the first week while more significant pain can take several weeks to fully dissipate.
The individual’s underlying health conditions and whether any medications were taken after surgery can also affect the speed at which pain decreases.
Directly after the procedure, pain can be managed with a combination of ice, elevation, and over the counter or prescription medications. Ice helps reduce inflammation and the elevation helps reduce pain and swelling.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions for after care, including returning for follow up appointments as well as taking any medications prescribed. Taking medications as prescribed is important in order to appropriate manage pain and potentially prevent any long term complications.
In addition to following doctor’s instructions, individuals should take steps to ensure adequate rest and relaxation. Getting enough rest and relaxation is important to allow the body to safely heal itself and prevent any further discomfort.
Taking frequent walks is also important as this helps get the body back in motion and stretch out any muscle soreness or stiffness.
It is important to note that if pain persists or gets worse, individuals should contact their doctor as this may be an indication of a complication or infection.
How long after nail surgery can I walk?
It largely depends on the type of surgery and type of injury you have had, as well as your overall health and the rate at which you are healing. Generally speaking, walking after minor nail surgery may be possible within a few days, however for more serious conditions, it may take several weeks before you can walk normally again.
During this period you will likely experience some discomfort and swelling, so it is important to take it easy and use crutches to prevent any further injury. Your doctor will provide you with detailed advice on how to best care for yourself and when you can safely begin walking again.
Is toenail surgery painful?
Yes, toenail surgery can be painful. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is usually provided to help reduce the sensation of pain. However, depending on the severity of the condition and the size of the surgery, some degree of pain may still be experienced.
After the anesthesia wears off, the patient may experience some general soreness, tenderness and irritation. Depending on the surgery, the patient may need to use crutches, walkers or bandages for multiple weeks to help reduce the discomfort, as well as any potential for infection.
How many days after toenail removal can I wear shoes?
It will depend on a few factors, including the extent of your toenail removal and the type of shoes you are wearing. Generally speaking, you should wait at least two weeks after toenail removal before wearing shoes that put pressure on your toes.
Your health care provider may advise a longer period of time, depending on the extent of your surgery. Until then, you may wish to wear sandals or open-toe shoes that do not put pressure on your toes.
Keep in mind that your toenail may take several months to completely re-grow, and you should avoid wearing hard-soled or pointed-toe shoes until your toenail is fully healed. Additionally, you may wish to take measures to keep the area clean and dry by wearing a bandage and applying a topical antibiotic ointment.
Even after the two-week period, you should choose shoes with a wide toe box to reduce tension and pressure on the healing toenail.
