An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or trauma. When conservative measures fail, a podiatrist may recommend nail removal techniques to resolve the issue. One type of ingrown toenail surgery involves partial nail avulsion, where the affected edge of the toenail is carefully removed while preserving the healthy nail plate. To prevent recurrence, a lateral matricectomy may be performed, which involves removing or destroying the nail-forming tissue on the side of the nail to stop regrowth of the problematic section. Electrocautery, a method that uses heat from an electrical current, is often used during this process to precisely target and destroy the nail matrix. In cases of significant infection or tissue overgrowth, the surrounding granulation tissue may also be removed to restore the toe’s natural shape. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Corsicana, Ennis, and Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.