Toenail Removal: Everything You Need To Know

You might need a toenail removal for a variety of reasons. It is a small operation, but it is perfectly normal to feel worried about it. To help put your mind at ease, here is everything you need to know about toenail removal

Toenail removal, or avulsion, is a procedure typically performed under local anaesthesia in a podiatrist’s office or a clinic. This minor surgical treatment is often the solution for persistent toenail problems that do not respond to conventional treatments. Whether it’s due to ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or even trauma from an injury, toenail removal can provide relief from pain and help prevent further complications.

Understanding the reasons behind toenail removal, what the procedure involves, and the recovery process can significantly reduce any anxiety you might have about undergoing this treatment. In this guide, we’ll cover the indications for needing toenail removal, the steps involved in the procedure, aftercare recommendations, and tips to ensure a smooth recovery.

By informing yourself about the details of toenail removal, you’ll be better prepared to discuss your options with a healthcare professional and make informed decisions about your foot health.

Why Might You Need Toenail Removal?

There are several reasons why you might need nail surgery, but the most common one is ingrowing toenails. These occur when the edges of your nails grow into the skin around the nail, causing pain and swelling. They frequently cause infections, and the purpose of the surgery is to remove the piece of nail which is ingrowing to relieve pain and stop the infections.

Another common reason for toenail removal is onychogryphosis, commonly known as ram’s horn nails, where the nail becomes excessively thickened and curved—often as a result of fungal infections or previous injuries. This condition can make it painful to wear shoes and even walk, as the thickened nail can exert pressure on the nail bed and surrounding tissues.

If you find that your toenail changes colour, becomes brittle, or deforms, it may indicate a fungal infection that could necessitate medical intervention if topical treatments are ineffective. Similarly, traumatic injuries to the nail, such as those sustained through sporting activities or accidental stubbing, can cause the nail to become misshapen or detached, requiring removal to prevent further discomfort and complications.

In such cases, a podiatrist will evaluate the severity of the nail condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include partial or full toenail removal to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and promote healthy nail growth. Consulting with a specialist is crucial to determine the necessity of this procedure and to ensure proper care and management of your foot health.Another common reason for toenail removal is onychogryphosis, commonly known as ram’s horn nails, where the nail becomes excessively thickened and curved—often as a result of fungal infections or previous injuries. This condition can make it painful to wear shoes and even walk, as the thickened nail can exert pressure on the nail bed and surrounding tissues.

If you find that your toenail changes colour, becomes brittle, or deforms, it may indicate a fungal infection that could necessitate medical intervention if topical treatments are ineffective. Similarly, traumatic injuries to the nail, such as those sustained through sporting activities or accidental stubbing, can cause the nail to become misshapen or detached, requiring removal to prevent further discomfort and complications.

In such cases, a podiatrist will evaluate the severity of the nail condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include partial or full toenail removal to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and promote healthy nail growth. Consulting with a specialist is crucial to determine the necessity of this procedure and to ensure proper care and management of your foot health.

How Can I Find Out If I Need Toenail Removal?

If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain around your toenail, the initial step is to consult a podiatrist. Podiatrists, as highly trained healthcare specialists, possess the expertise required to assess conditions affecting your feet and lower limbs. During your visit, the podiatrist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your foot to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort. Common issues they look for include ingrowing toenails, fungal infections, or toenail deformities due to injury.

Following the assessment, your podiatrist will discuss the appropriate treatment options based on your specific diagnosis. If your nail is ingrowing, causing persistent pain, or if there’s an infection that doesn’t resolve with conservative treatments, toenail removal might be recommended. This procedure, also known as toenail avulsion, is typically performed under local anaesthetic to ensure comfort and minimise pain during the surgery.

Podiatrists are equipped to perform these surgeries with precision and care, ensuring that the procedure is as smooth and pain-free as possible. They will also provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent complications such as further infections or abnormal nail growth.

When to Consider Professional Toenail Removal Services?

Visiting a podiatrist for toenail removal is advisable if:

• You have recurrent ingrowing toenails that cause significant pain or infections.
• Over-the-counter treatments have failed to alleviate the problem.
• There is noticeable thickening of the nail that causes discomfort, especially when wearing shoes.

The Surgery Process…

If you do need surgery to remove a nail or part of a nail, it will likely be under local anaesthetic. The longest part of the appointment will be waiting for the anaesthetic to start working, and after this the procedure only takes a few minutes. 

Following the surgery, your podiatrist will carefully dress your wound to protect it from infection and support swift healing. As the local anaesthetic begins to wear off, you might experience some discomfort or pain. It’s important to manage your pain effectively, and your podiatrist can provide guidance on appropriate pain relief methods tailored to your needs.

After the procedure, your podiatrist will advise on recovery protocols, including when you can safely resume walking. Most patients are able to start walking shortly after the surgery following a brief period of rest, however, individual recovery times may vary depending on the extent of the surgery and personal health factors.

It is crucial to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your podiatrist to ensure a smooth recovery. These might include keeping the foot elevated, applying ice to reduce swelling, and changing dressings regularly. If you have any concerns during your recovery, such as signs of infection or persistent pain, do not hesitate to contact your podiatrist immediately.

By adhering to these guidelines and consulting your podiatrist promptly if issues arise, you can facilitate a quick and effective recovery, minimising the risk of complications and returning to your daily activities as soon as possible.

Where To Go For Toenail Removal

At Northwich Foot Clinic in Cheshire, we offer nail surgery from our trained podiatrists. Our nail surgery package includes your toenail removal operation under local anaesthetic, all of the dressings needed after surgery and while it is healing, and two free follow up appointments. During these follow up appointments, we will check for infections and ensure that the wound is healing properly, so you can be confident that everything is OK. 

If, after your full toenail removal surgery, you would like toenail reconstruction, we offer that service too and would be happy to discuss your options with you.

To book your appointment, simply head to our online booking form and select ‘New Patient Podiatry’ or call us on 01606 45077.