Nail Surgery

Nail surgery may not be a viable option for all patients, you will be assessed by the podiatrist and the following considerations will be used to determine your suitability.

We will consider:

• Your medical history and medication
• Any allergies you have
• The circulation in your feet
• If you have had any previous problems with anaesthetics

Your consent to treatment

Part of the assessment involves asking you to consent. If you are under 16 this needs to be given by the person who has parental consent.

A local anaesthetic is injected in to your toe. It works by blocking pain, although you may still feel pressure and movement. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes for the toe to go numb however the clinician may top up anaesthetic as required. We use a ‘sharp or blunt’ test to make sure the area is numb and when we and you are happy that the anaesthetic has worked the procedure can begin:

1. A small rubber ring or tourniquet will be placed on the toe
2. The nail or part of the nail will be removed
3. The chemical (Phenol) is applied
4. The tourniquet is then removed and a dressing applied

After the procedure a redressing appointment will be made for you within a week following the operation.

You need to:

• Keep the bandage clean and dry on your toe until you have been instructed to remove it
• Rest with the foot elevated for the rest of the day after surgery
• Avoid any activities that will put pressure on the toe (e.g. sports and tight shoes) until advised otherwise
• Attend your second dressing appointment to allow the podiatrist to monitor your progress

Redressing the toe

At your first review appointment you may be shown how to redress your toe and given a redressing leaflet. The toe must be kept clean, dry and covered with a sterile dressing until it has healed. During this time you will need to avoid tight fitting shoes as this could delay healing. Your podiatrist will advise you on which dressing you will need to buy. Healing usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks, but it can take longer.