Chitika

Chitika

onsdag 11 november 2009

Introductory Guide To Nail Surgery

By Hazel Wig

Lack of information can make nail surgery seem rather frightening. However this simple procedure, while not often talked about, can provide a permanent solution to painful conditions in a local chiropody or podiatry clinic.

Your first thoughts about nail surgery may only be when you're experiencing extreme toe pain yourself!

You can rest assured that competent, reassuring and prompt help should be available at a clinic not too far from home. It's helpful to have some facts about the whole process so that you'll know what might be necessary.

Nail surgery is usually performed where there's pain and/or infection in the flesh of the toe around the nail. This can be caused by various problems. Antibiotics may destroy the infection and reduce painful swelling, but there's risk of a return as the basic conditions remain. Surgery will cure these conditions and thus prevent the return of the problem.

Sometimes toe pain is caused by slight deformities in the nail, such as very wide nails or very thick nails. Or it may be due to trauma, such as a knock or too tight shoes. Poor nail cutting can also be a cause.

Obviously the surgery will be selected to cure your own problems. If the nail has been damaged, then total nail avulsion (complete removal of the nail) or partial nail avulsion (removal of part of the nail) without the removal of the nail bed, will be appropriate. In this way the damaged parts of the nail will be disposed of and the nail will grow back as normal.

Similar surgery is also used when the problems arise from within. The nail may grow in a slightly unusual way - it may be too curved or too wide - and so when the nail is partly removed some of the nail bed will also need to be taken out as well. Then the nail will grow back without the parts which have caused problems. Modern techniques used by experienced practitioners mean that the resulting appearance is satisfactory.

Once you've understood why nail surgery may be necessary and what it will do for the problem, it's helpful to know a few practicalities.

Whilst the toe pain that brought you to have nail surgery will still be present, it will soon be relieved by the injection of anaesthetic into the base of the toe. This is usually the only uncomfortable part of the process. Once the pain has gone, you'll be ready for the surgery.

Once the actual surgery is over (about fifteen minutes), your toe will be dressed and you'll be given an appointment for a follow-up dressing change and check-up. It's suggested that you sit with your foot up as much as possible and go back to work (if appropriate), the following day. Over-the-counter painkillers (avoiding aspirin which may increase bleeding) can be taken for any initial discomfort and you should wear roomy shoes and socks.

So, nail surgery really can be quite simple and a very welcome solution to a painful condition. However, you must take care to ensure you visit a well qualified and experienced practitioner. Ask the opinions of friends, family or medical staff. Check out the qualifications of clinic staff (three year degree level courses are best for the actual practitioner) and the quality of information and reception that they offer.

A calm, professional atmosphere in the clinic Reception will reassure you and obviously, the availability of appointments to suit your needs is also important.

A good Clinic will reassure you and help you appreciate the wonderful relief that nail surgery will bring.

About the Author:

Inga kommentarer:

Skicka en kommentar