No, you do not need to be awake for toenail removal. In most cases, the procedure is done under local anesthesia – meaning the area around your toenail bed is numbed and you will not feel any pain. Local anesthesia is usually injected into the toe, numbing it and allowing the nail to be removed without pain.
The doctor may also give you a sedative to help you relax and make the procedure more comfortable. In rare cases, general anesthesia may be used to remove the toenail. General anesthesia is when a person is fully unconscious and unable to feel pain.
This type of anesthesia is typically only used if the patient is unable to take the local injection due to an underlying medical condition.
Is it very painful to have a toenail removed?
Yes, having a toenail removed can be very painful. The procedure includes numbing your toe with a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. However, the anesthetic only lasts for a few hours, and you can feel pain and discomfort after the anesthetic wears off.
Some people describe the pain as similar to having a large splinter or piece of glass stuck in your toe. You may also experience the feeling of pressure or tingling around the area. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain in the short-term.
In some cases, the pain could last for several days or weeks. To help manage the pain and promote healing, you’ll need to keep the area clean and change the bandaging regularly. Talk to your doctor if the pain is too intense or lasts longer than expected.
How long does toenail removal surgery take?
The length of time it takes to remove a toenail depends largely on the method used and the complexity of the surgical procedure. Generally speaking, the surgery can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, although in some cases the procedure may need to be extended if the area being operated on is very complex.
In cases where only part of the toenail needs to be removed, the procedure may be able to be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Toenail removal surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, which means patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Some post-operative pain medications may be prescribed to help with any post-operative discomfort. After the surgery is complete, bandages are usually applied to the treated area and it’s important to keep the area clean and to change dressings as needed until the treated toenail has fully healed.
Will I be able to walk after toenail removal?
In general, yes, you will be able to walk after toenail removal. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may feel some discomfort when walking immediately afterward, but this should subside over time as the toe heals.
To ensure full recovery, it is important to listen to your doctor and any post-procedure instructions. This could include taking medications for pain, watching for signs of infection, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Additionally, the affected toe should be kept clean and dry, and may need to be covered with a bandage or protective dressing to reduce the risk of infection. Depending on the severity of the procedure and the complexity of the surgery, full function in the toe may not return to normal for up to three or four weeks, so it is important to stave off any strenuous activity or any activity that could place pressure on the area during this time.
If you want to minimize any discomfort, you can wear supportive footwear while walking. Ultimately, if you listen to your doctor’s instructions and give the toe enough time to heal, then you should be able to walk normally again.
What to expect after having a toenail removed?
After having a toenail removed, you can expect for the area to be a bit sore, swollen, and may bleed for a few days. As the area begins to heal, you may experience some itching, burning, and/or tingling sensations.
Your doctor may advise for you to soak your foot in warm water and keep the area clean. It is important to make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure proper healing. If the wound is kept clean, it should heal in about 2-6 weeks.
During the healing process, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and provide you with a dressing to protect the wound and keep the area clean. You should also refrain from walking barefoot to prevent further injury and try to avoid activities that put excessive pressure on the toes.
In some cases, you may need special footwear, such as open-toed sandals or custom orthotics, to protect the wound.
It is also important to keep the area dry, as dampness can encourage the spread of infection. Make sure to keep a close eye on the area to make sure it is healing properly. If you are experiencing any pain, itching, redness, bleeding, or other signs of infection, contact your doctor right away.
What happens when you surgically remove a toenail?
When you surgically remove a toenail, the process is done by a specialized surgeon and usually requires local anesthesia. The nail and nail bed will be cut away and the remnants will be removed with forceps, a cautery instrument, or a copatrone.
Once it has been removed, the incision will be covered with gauze and this will need to be taped so it can heal correctly. Typically, a dressing will also need to be put on the toe.
The toenail might or might not grow back depending on individual cases. If it doesn’t grow back, a skin graft or special artificial nail might be used to cover the area where the toenail was located.
Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury but it generally takes 2-6 weeks to heal. During this time, it is important to keep the area clean and bandaged in order to avoid infection. You should also keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling and take pain medications to alleviate any discomfort you may experience.
Additionally, your doctor may advise that you wear a sandal or special shoe to protect the area from pressure and friction. After healing is complete, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and range of motion to the affected toe.
How do you remove a toenail painlessly?
In general, toenail pain can be caused by a variety of issues, such as an ingrown toenail or a fungal infection. It’s important to visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your particular condition.
Depending on the cause of the pain, the treatment might involve antibiotics or antifungal medication, supportive devices, or even toenail removal.
In some cases, removing the toenail is the best option. This procedure might involve numbing the toe with an anesthetic, followed by cutting away the toenail and any additional tissue as needed. The procedure is performed with precise care to help make sure it goes as smoothly as possible and that the remaining tissue is well protected.
Your doctor might also prescribe a course of antibiotics or antifungal medication afterward to reduce the risk of infection.
If the toenail is left in place, it usually needs to be trimmed regularly to reduce discomfort and help stop the issue from reoccurring. Proper foot hygiene is also important to help ensure that an infection does not come back.
If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to talk to your doctor so they can provide you with the best possible treatment plan for your individual needs.
What helps with toenail removal pain?
Toenail removal pain can be an uncomfortable experience, but there are some methods to reduce the associated pain. Pain relief options for toenail removal include:
1) Taking over-the-counter oral pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Please note that it is important to follow the dosage instructions on label.
2) Applying an ice pack or a cold compress to the area. This will reduce inflammation and help numb the area.
3) Soaking your foot in warm, soapy water prior to the toenail removal.
4) Applying topical analgesics. These products can be found over the counter and you can apply those numbing ointments right before the procedure.
5) Ask your doctor to inject a local anesthetic into the toe in order to numb the area prior to the toenail removal.
It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor prior to the procedure. Also, be sure to follow any post procedure instructions your doctor gives you with regards to care and hygiene surrounding your toenail removal procedure.
How long does throbbing last after toenail removal?
Throbbing after toenail removal typically lasts for the first few days, although it can persist for up to two weeks. In the early days after toenail removal, it is normal to experience pain and throbbing in the area that can feel like a deep ache.
In addition, the area may become swollen, tender and bruised. The intensity of the pain and throbbing can vary from person to person, and for some it can be severe. After the first few days, the throbbing sensation should start to subside and the area should start to heal.
It is important to properly care for the wound after toenail removal to expedite the healing process and prevent infection. This includes keeping the area clean and dry and wearing clean, comfortable shoes.
It is also important to contact a doctor or foot specialist if pain persists or worsens.
Is nail removal painful after surgery?
Nail removal after surgery can be painful depending on the type of surgery and the existing health condition. Pain is often managed with medications. If the nail is located near the wound, cutting, shaving, or pulling the nail may be painful, but the procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
If the nail is not near the wound, the pain should be negligible. Nerve damage or infection may cause pain during and after the nail removal process. Local anesthesia may be applied to the affected area to minimize discomfort.
If pain persists after the procedure, over the counter or prescription pain relievers may be recommended.
