Toenail disorders that require a surgeon.
The main problem that will often require the help of a Foot and Ankle Surgeon is an ingrowing toenail. Thickened nails, fungal infections and discoloured nails are best treated by a dermatologist unless surgical removal is required.
What are the symptoms of an ingrowing toenail?
Patients will complain of redness and pain around the side of the nail which can spread towards the base. If an infection sets in then pus may be noticed. In this case, antibiotics should be started quickly. Repeated episodes of pain or infection are an indication for surgical treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical examination is all that is required. Chronic conditions with atypical symptoms may be a symptom of deeper infection in which case X-rays and MRI may be required.
What are my options for treatment?
Non-operative treatment is normally successful. This includes good foot hygiene, regular pedicures or chiropody input, soaking the affected toe in salty warm water and antibiotics. If recurrent episodes occur then the option of surgery should be considered. Wedge excision of the nail involves making the nail narrower and removing the growth potential of the nail at its edge so that it does not recur. This is a surgical procedure and should be performed in an operating theatre.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain across their lower limbs or difficulty with mobility and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of foot & ankle -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS
If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle conditions click the button below to find out more
FOOT & ANKLE TREATMENTS
If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle treatments click the button below to find out more
our specialist FOOT & ANKLE consultants
Foot & ankle care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is lead by Mr Tim Sinnett. A graduate of Cambridge and Imperial College medical schools and leading academic and trauma consultant for Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust. He is further supported by the orthopaedic team here including other consultant surgeons, nurses and care staff.
Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of foot and ankle concerns utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
MR TIM SINNETT
Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Specialist in Foot and Ankle Surgery
What some of our patients say
Mrs JS
Thank you to the whole team for getting me back on my feet again