How this simple procedure can relieve your ingrown toenail pain
If you’ve ever suffered from an ingrown toenail, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. No matter the cause, an ingrown toenail can quickly become infected and make even the simplest activities—like walking, uncomfortable. Thankfully, there’s an effective solution: a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) or Total Nail Avulsion (TNA).
As podiatrists at Gen Health, we frequently perform this minor surgical procedure to relieve pain and prevent recurring ingrown toenails. Let’s break down what a nail avulsion is, its benefits, and how it can help you get back on your feet—pain-free.
What is a Partial Nail Avulsion?
A Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is a minor surgical procedure designed to remove a small section of the affected toenail. A Total Nail Avulsion (TNA) is where the whole nail is removed. It is typically performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the toe is completely numb, so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure.
Here’s what happens during a PNA or TNA:
- Local anaesthetic injection is applied to the toe to ensure comfort.
- The podiatrist carefully removes part of the nail or the whole nail – whichever is causing the issue.
- A chemical called phenol is applied to the nail bed to prevent regrowth of the ingrown portion.
- The toe is then dressed with a sterile bandage, and aftercare instructions are provided.
The entire procedure usually takes an hour, and you can walk out of the clinic immediately after.
What Are the Benefits of a PNA or TNA?
Nail Avulsion surgery offers several advantages, especially for those struggling with severely ingrown toenails, or severely thickened toenails.
Immediate Pain Relief – By removing the problematic nail section, the pressure and irritation are gone almost instantly.
Minimally Invasive – The procedure requires no stitches, and most people experience minimal discomfort afterward.
Quick Recovery Time – While full healing can take a few weeks, most patients resume normal activities within a couple of days.
Prevents Recurrence – Using phenol reduces the risk of the nail regrowing incorrectly and causing future ingrown toenails.
Lower Risk of Infection – If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, it can lead to infection. A PNA effectively removes the source of the problem before it worsens.
How Do I Know If I Need a PNA or TNA?
You might benefit from Nail Avulsion if:
- You have a painful, swollen, or infected ingrown toenail.
- You frequently experience ingrown toenails.
- The ingrown toenail is interfering with your ability to walk, exercise, or wear shoes comfortably.
- You have severely thickened nails that are causing pain.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s best to see a podiatrist sooner rather than later. The earlier an ingrown toenail is treated, the easier the recovery process will be.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the procedure, most patients experience little to no pain. Your toe will remain numb for 2-3 hours following the procedure until the anaesthetic wears off. We’ll provide you with aftercare instructions, which typically include:
- Keeping the toe clean and dry.
- Wearing open-toed or wide shoes to avoid pressure on the toe.
- Avoiding high-impact activities (like running or kicking a ball) for a few days.
- Regular dressing changes as instructed by your podiatrist, including redressing appointments on days 3 and 10.
Most people can return to work or school the following day with little disruption to their daily routine.
If you’ve been suffering from a persistent or painful ingrown toenail, don’t wait for it to get worse—book an appointment with us today. A quick, simple Partial Nail Avulsion could be the solution you need to walk comfortably again. Read more about the procedure here.
