Nail Wedge Resection: A Long-Term Solution for Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail might seem like a minor problem, but if you've experienced one, you'll know just how painful it can be. Simple activities like walking, exercising or even wearing shoes can become uncomfortable when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin.

A nail wedge resection is a common procedure performed by podiatrists to treat painful or recurring ingrown toenails. It involves carefully removing the section of nail causing the problem while leaving the healthy part of the nail intact. In many cases, phenol is then applied to the nail matrix (where the nail grows from) to cauterise the area and prevent that portion of the nail from growing back. This helps reduce the risk of the ingrown toenail returning.

This procedure may be recommended if you've had repeated ingrown toenails, ongoing pain, swelling, infection, or if conservative treatments such as nail trimming, soaking or footwear changes haven't provided lasting relief. It can benefit people of all ages, from teenagers experiencing their first ingrown toenail to adults who have struggled with the problem for years.

The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic, meaning the toe is completely numb and you shouldn't feel any pain during the treatment. Most people can return to their normal daily activities within a few days, with healing occurring gradually over the following weeks.

Living with an ingrown toenail isn't something you have to put up with. If you're experiencing persistent pain or recurring infections, a podiatrist at Coorparoo Podiatry Centre can assess your toe and discuss whether a nail wedge resection is the right long-term solution to help you get back to comfortable, pain-free living.