Ingrowing toenail - Surgery needed?!
Question: Ingrowing toenail - Surgery needed.?
In February this year, all the guys and I were moving furniture from one place to another, and I dropped a table on my toe nail... YES!... it hurt like hell...
Anyway, It started to bleed and eventually the toe nail became loose, and just sorta kept falling off a over a course of time... because there was a new toe nail growing from underneath...
After about 8-9 months later (meaning now)... it has pretty much grown back, but theres one problem...
The left side of the toe has swollen up a bit, and everytime even the slightest pressure is applid to it, it hurts as if a spear is being hammered into my toe. My mum has mentioned that it could be an "ingrown" toenail... meaning that it grows into the skin & pierces it because it needs more room to continue growing... and she suggested surgery.
However, Im confused... who do I speak to about my problem.?.. could this be an ingrown toenail.?... is surgery neccesary for this problem.?... what kind of doctor do I speak to.?... Can I speak to my GP.?... do they "refer" you to any kind of specialist.? - Because Im worried that a normal family doctor may not specialize in toes & feet. :/
I hope someone can let me know, thanks in advance.
P.S - I'm in Australia.Health Question & Answer
Anyway, It started to bleed and eventually the toe nail became loose, and just sorta kept falling off a over a course of time... because there was a new toe nail growing from underneath...
After about 8-9 months later (meaning now)... it has pretty much grown back, but theres one problem...
The left side of the toe has swollen up a bit, and everytime even the slightest pressure is applid to it, it hurts as if a spear is being hammered into my toe. My mum has mentioned that it could be an "ingrown" toenail... meaning that it grows into the skin & pierces it because it needs more room to continue growing... and she suggested surgery.
However, Im confused... who do I speak to about my problem.?.. could this be an ingrown toenail.?... is surgery neccesary for this problem.?... what kind of doctor do I speak to.?... Can I speak to my GP.?... do they "refer" you to any kind of specialist.? - Because Im worried that a normal family doctor may not specialize in toes & feet. :/
I hope someone can let me know, thanks in advance.
P.S - I'm in Australia.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I had one once, and as I work in a hospital I asked around before I went to my GP. I ended up going to my emerg department (tho in your case I'd suggest ur GP) and they immediately did a surgical outpatient's referral for me. (at Royal Adelaide Hosp). In emerg they just cleaned it up and dressed it.
I had to wait about a week (tho they rushed it thru because I'm staff) and then had my appointment, and they said no need for surgery.
Whilst I waited for my appointment (in ABSOLUTE AGONY mind you) I soaked my toe with gauze and a solution called chlorhexidine (it's blue) at least 3 times a day ('borrowed' from the ward I worked on). I think you can get it in phrmacies though, in the first aid section.
The surgeon said that I had strangely managed to heal it myself, maybe I was just lucky though.
But i understand the pain, trust me.
Good luck - I'm quite sure you will be referred to a surgeon by your GP.Health Question & Answer
I had to wait about a week (tho they rushed it thru because I'm staff) and then had my appointment, and they said no need for surgery.
Whilst I waited for my appointment (in ABSOLUTE AGONY mind you) I soaked my toe with gauze and a solution called chlorhexidine (it's blue) at least 3 times a day ('borrowed' from the ward I worked on). I think you can get it in phrmacies though, in the first aid section.
The surgeon said that I had strangely managed to heal it myself, maybe I was just lucky though.
But i understand the pain, trust me.
Good luck - I'm quite sure you will be referred to a surgeon by your GP.Health Question & Answer
A podiatrist is a Dr who specializes in toes and feet. Depending on insurance you may or may not need a referral from your regular Dr. Health Question & Answer
You can always start by going to a podiatrist and get their advice. They will refer you to a specialist if required.Health Question & Answer
It sounds like an ingrown toenail. I don't think surgery is necessary for this but a doctors visit may be necessary if it gets worse or doesn't go away. Your GP can look at this for you. Health Question & Answer
Surgery is NOT needed. Go to Web M.D. and ask for quick IN HOME cures. If those don't work then see a doctor.Health Question & Answer