Partial Nail Avulsion
Nail surgery can sound a bit alarming, as it’s not something we come across unless someone we know tells us about the experience. Whilst it’s usual to hear of visits to podiatrists or chiropodists, nail surgery is much less well known.
In fact you may never think about nail surgery until you’re in some pain and realise that you need some urgent help!
There will be Clinics offering nail surgery within reasonably easy reach. To make an informed choice of clinic, there are a few basic facts which you need to bear in mind.
Nail surgery is usually performed where there’s pain and/or infection in the flesh of the toe around the nail. This can be caused by various problems. Antibiotics may destroy the infection and reduce painful swelling, but there’s risk of a return as the basic conditions remain. Surgery will cure these conditions and thus prevent the return of the problem.
The underlying cause may be something that’s happened to the toe – for instance bad nail cutting or something heavy being dropped on it. Alternatively it may be a nail that grows with deep sides or is very curved.
Total nail avulsion is the removal of the whole nail and partial nail avulsion is the removal of only the sides of the nail. These can be done while leaving the nail bed unaffected. These procedures are carried out when the nail has been damaged so that it can grow back without blemish.
Similar surgery is also used when the problems arise from within. The nail may grow in a slightly unusual way – it may be too curved or too wide – and so when the nail is partly removed some of the nail bed will also need to be taken out as well. Then the nail will grow back without the parts which have caused problems. Modern techniques used by experienced practitioners mean that the resulting appearance is satisfactory.
Once you’ve understood why nail surgery may be necessary and what it will do for the problem, it’s helpful to know a few practicalities.
The site of surgery will usually be very painful before the intervention, and the first part of the procedure will be a couple of anaesthetic injections into the toe base. This might be uncomfortable but the anaesthetic will take effect quickly and the surgery itself should cause little discomfort.
Once the actual surgery is over (about fifteen minutes), your toe will be dressed and you’ll be given an appointment for a follow-up dressing change and check-up. It’s suggested that you sit with your foot up as much as possible and go back to work (if appropriate), the following day. Over-the-counter painkillers (avoiding aspirin which may increase bleeding) can be taken for any initial discomfort and you should wear roomy shoes and socks.
When considering where to have your nail surgery, do look at the qualifications of people working at the clinic. Length of trainings can vary a great deal and so can experience. Ask around for recommendations – you’ll be surprised to find how many people have experience and opinions. Do a quick bit of research and you’ll be able to get the real benefits of this procedure from a professional and reassuring Clinic.
Of course your welcome at the Clinic and the possibility of making a quick appointment will also influence your decision.
Once you’ve settled on a Clinic, the process should run smoothly and you’ll be pleased with the results of your nail surgery.
Nail avulsion or partial nail avulsion need not be as daunting as it sounds. A registered Podiatrist will be able to explain every details of the procedure and the after care required. To find out more visit Wigan Chiropody, one of the leading Podiatrists in Wigan.
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