Ingrown Toenails

Do you have pain in the corners of your toenail? No matter how much you try to trim or file it, is it still bothering you? If so, you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a common condition that can affect an individual regardless of his or her age or health. It may occur on the left or right side of the nail, or even sometimes on both sides!

What Treatment Options Are Available?

There are various treatment options for an ingrown toenail, such as nail avulsion, chemical matrixectomy, and laser ablation.

Nail Avulsion

A nail avulsion is a procedure that is performed in the office. The affected toe will be numbed and a small sliver of the affected border will be removed. The nail is removed from the far tip of the toe to the matrix, which is where the nail grows. After the procedure, the toe will be wrapped up. You can even shower and get that toe wet later that night. With this procedure, the nail will grow back.

Chemical Matrixectomy

Chemical matrixectomy is a procedure that is similar to nail avulsion, as it is also performed in the office. The only difference is that a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail matrix. This chemical creates a burn that is similar to a third degree burn. The goal of this procedure is to prevent the nail from growing back.

Laser Ablation

Here at Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers of Illinois, we offer laser ablation in office. There is no need to go to the operating room for it. This procedure involves surgically removing the nail matrix of the involved border and then using a laser to destroy the nail matrix of the offending border. Similar to chemical matrixectomy, the nail will not grow back.