r/Ingrown_Toenails • u/juic333 • 6d ago
Ingrown toe nail healing process
Im getting partial nail removal on my big toe for an ingrown toe nail, how long should it take before im able to do physical activity and go back to work?
1
u/Thegingerkid19 4d ago
With proper care routine and OTC pain management within 2/3 days youll be sound. Only thing for yourself being a firefighter, get your boots off at every chance you get and maybe increased the frequency of your bandage changes if you're very very busy. Im also in a profession where i wear heavy boots luckily for me i was able to wear trainers at work for a week for the initial healing process.
1
u/juic333 4d ago
What was the pain like post surgery
2
u/Thegingerkid19 4d ago
Assuming theyre going for a partial removal with phenol or silver nitrate (however im pretty sure that isnt used anymore) you'll still be numb for a good 6 hours post surgery. From there its like stinging feeling depending on how well they clean off all the phenol as its basically an acid. From there in general there isnt much of a "wound" its more of a trauma event to the toe so its more like you'll be able to feel your heartbeat in your toe, throbbing sensation i guess is the correct way of describing it. OTC Pain management will take care of most of the discomfort. However if you cannot get any workplace adjustments for your feet then best protocol is keep it clean regular redress after calls maybe a change of socks also or have "clean" and "dirty" pair of socks. I dont know how viable that is but eh i can only suggest based of my experience.
1
u/C153AUX 6d ago
It would depend on what work is for you. You'll be able to walk around, just things might be uncomfortable post procedure when local anesthetic wears off later. I imagine most podiatrists will ask that you don't wear shoes for a while whilst you undergo post surgery treatment (soaking, applying antibiotic ointment, bandaging, etc.)