5 common questions a patient may ask about a permanent ingrown nail procedure

Ingrown toenails can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. They occur when the
edge of the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, causing discomfort, tenderness, and
sometimes even infection. While there are several treatments available for ingrown
nails—including soaking your feet in warm water or using over-the-counter
medications—not all cases can be resolved without more invasive intervention. One
such treatment is called phenol matrixectomy - a permanent procedure that involves
removing part of the nail bed to prevent regrowth. But before you decide on this option,
it's important to know the 5 common questions most patients ask. In this post we'll
explore everything you need to know about permanent ingrown nail procedures so you
can make an informed decision about what's best for your feet!

What methods do you use to help patients who are afraid of needles?

Everyday, I am asked this query a minimum of five times, to which the response is a
resounding no. This is a basic process I carry out every day, either on the same day as
the appointment, if requested. These procedures are easy to perform and lead to better
outcomes. As a podiatrist, I have performed many such procedures and, the more I do,
the better I become at helping my patients reduce pain. It involves making them feel
less tense during the visit, injecting slowly to reduce pain, and using a smaller gauge
needle to reduce pain. When a patient comes in, I can anticipate if he or she is anxious,
and I try to talk to them about other subjects to get their mind off. Often, this helps.
However, on average, patients rate their experience as a 3 out of 10, which is not bad.

How long does a Permanent Ingrown Toenail Removal procedure take?

In the course of a week, I routinely carry out Permanent Ingrown Toenail Removal
procedures five to eight times a day. Generally, patients feel very little pain after the
process. It's typically sore for two or three days. Most people go back to school or work
the day after.

Initially, I utilize what's called a Digital Block to numb the painful toe. This requires
injecting a tiny amount of anesthetic to numb the toe, which entails two needle sticks
and can be somewhat uncomfortable. Afterward, I wait ten to fifteen minutes for the toe
to become fully numb. Then, I utilize a special clipper to cut and take away the ingrown
part of the nail, while leaving as much of the normal nail as possible. The permanent
part of the procedure involves applying a weakened chemical named Phenol to the nail
bed, which aids in cauterizing the nail bed and decreasing recurrence. Even though it is
known as permanent, these toenails may recur at times. The post-procedure care is
usually minimal.

What are the potential benefits of treating an ingrown nail with a podiatrist?

Ingrown toenails can be painful and difficult to treat, but the right podiatrist can help. In
this article, we will discuss the potential benefits of treating an ingrown nail with a
podiatrist, such as improved pain relief, reduced risk of infection, and improved healing
time.

Are there any risks associated with treating an ingrown nail?

Ingrown nails can be an uncomfortable and painful condition, particularly when left
untreated. It is important to seek the help of a podiatrist to diagnose and treat an
ingrown nail as soon as possible. While the procedure itself is relatively simple, there
are some complications that can arise from the procedure if not performed correctly.
Patients with poor circulation may have slow healing; a small number of patients may
experience infection or lack of healing. Additional procedures may be necessary, as
some patients may have had an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic; in those cases,
an alternative anesthetic may be needed. However, these circumstances are not always
the case.

Does my insurance policy cover the cost of the ingrown nail procedure?

If you are experiencing foot pain and believe you may need an ingrown nail procedure,
it is important to know whether or not your insurance policy covers the cost of this
procedure. Podiatrists are specialized medical professionals who treat conditions
related to the feet and ankles. They can perform a variety of procedures, including
ingrown nail removal, which may be covered by your insurance policy. When you make
an appointment at Ankle & Foot Care Center, Inc, our friendly staff will obtain your
insurance information to verify the benefits and will inform you about the coverage. If for
any reason, the insurance does not cover the cost, we are willing to work with patients
and even offer some discounts for cash pay so that the patient could get the treatment
they need.

Is your foot pain caused by an ingrown nail? Don't stress! At Ankle & Foot Care Center,
Inc., we can help you determine if your insurance policy covers the cost of a procedure.
Our team of experienced podiatrists are specialized in treating conditions related to the
feet and ankles, and they can perform a variety of procedures, including ingrown nail
removal. Make an appointment with us today and start feeling better soon!