About Us
Not sure if a podiatrist can help you? Have a look at our FAQs or use the form below to get in touch.
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle disorders.
Podiatrists treat a wide range of conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, heel pain, sports injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and more.
Yes, podiatrists specialize in treating sports-related foot and ankle injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and tendonitis. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation, develop a personalized treatment plan, and offer advice on injury prevention and rehabilitation exercises.
Chiropodist deal with issues like corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, and general foot care. Podiatrists are trained to handle a broader spectrum of foot and lower limb conditions, including those traditionally associated with chiropody, as well as biomechanical issues, sports injuries & diabetic foot care. To become a podiatrist in Ireland, you must obtain a university degree in podiatric medicine.
During ingrown toenail surgery, the podiatrist will numb the toe with a local anesthetic. The part of the nail causing the problem will be removed, and in most cases, a portion of the nail bed may be treated with a chemical to prevent the nail from growing back. The procedure typically takes about 30-60 minutes. After the surgery, the toe will be bandaged, and we'll get you back the following day to redress and monitor your progress.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing rates, but most people can expect significant improvement within a few days to a week. Full recovery, including the complete healing of the nail and surrounding skin, typically takes a few weeks. Your podiatrist will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
Most patients can return to their normal activities, such as walking and light exercise, within a few days after ingrown toenail surgery. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and sports that put pressure on the toe until it has healed completely, which typically takes a few weeks. Your podiatrist will provide specific guidelines based on the extent of your surgery and your individual recovery process.
The surgery itself is not painful because a local anesthetic is used to numb the toe. You may feel some pressure but not pain during the procedure. After the anesthetic wears off, some discomfort is normal, but it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Following the aftercare instructions provided by your podiatrist can help minimize discomfort and promote healing.
Surgery is typically recommended for ingrown toenails that are recurrent, severe, or infected. Signs that you might need surgery include persistent pain, significant swelling, redness, and pus around the nail, and if conservative treatments like soaking and proper nail trimming have not been effective. If you are experiencing these symptoms, feel free to fill in our form above and one of our Podiatrists will give you their expert opinion.
Whether or not your toenail grows back normally after surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. If only a portion of the nail was removed, the remaining nail will typically grow back normally over time. However, if the procedure included treatment to prevent regrowth, that part of the nail may not grow back, which can help prevent future ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist will discuss the expected outcome with you before the surgery.
