What Care Is Needed After Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Post Op Instructions: Ingrown Toenail Surgery
First Day Care
Go home and if possible, keep foot elevated for the first day. Leave bandage on for 24 hours. Do not remove dressing. You may add additional gauze on top of the dressing if needed.
Second Day Care
Wash toe with Anti-bacterial soap and rinse well. Blot dry. Apply triple antibiotic cream (such as Neosporin) to surgery site and apply sterile bandage. Repeat twice daily until the wound is healed. Do not let the toe dry out! Keep covered and treat it until you see us again two weeks.
Will Physical Therapy Speed Up My Recovery?
ABSOLUTELY! Think about the difference in recovery rates between professional and recreational athletes. Injuries that might sideline a “weekend warrior” for weeks, may only take half the time with a professional athlete. This is due to the immediate medical treatment provided to professional athletes, including physical therapy. Physical therapy is the key to a quicker recovery. The treatment rehabilitates your limbs over time so they build up strength, improve their range of motion, and generally restore their function. The sooner this happens, the more effective and quickly it works. Otherwise you are left waiting for the injury to heal as best it can on its own. If you are struggling with a lower limb injury, do not wait for it to get better. Take an active role in healing it through physical therapy.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Feet?
Pregnancy has a huge effect on your feet, sometimes in surprising ways. One of the most common issues with pregnancy and your feet is edema, or swelling. Extra weight and pressure from a weight-bearing stance that accommodates your growing belly can contribute to swelling in your feet and ankles. Cramping feet and spider veins are common consequences of weight gain as well. Many women develop a problem with overpronation, which can lead to arch, heel, and even ball of the foot pain. Plantar Fasciitis is an unfortunate, possible side effect of this as well. Changes in hormones, along with added weight gain, can cause your feet to widen and flatten. This can actually increase your shoe size. Many women need to change their footwear to avoid pain from pinched feet. The right foot care can help you adjust to all these changes and take steps to alleviate any discomfort that may arise.
What Foot Conditions Are Considered Rare?
Rare foot conditions are any form of disease, disorder, deformity, or even injury that only affects a few people. This includes cancer, forms of arthritis, and unusual infections. There are 3 RARE foot conditions:
- Kohler’s Disease,
- Maffucci Syndrome
- Freiberg’s Disease
Each of these three conditions involve damage or deterioration to the bones in the feet.
Kohler’s Disease
Kohler’s Disease is an arch problem. Something limits the blood flow to a midfoot bone called the tarsal navicular bone, causing it to break down and start to crumble. Ultimately, creating pain and swelling in the arch.
Maffucci Syndrome
Maffucci Syndrome involves benign bone tumors growing near the ends of long bones in your feet. These can deform your lower limbs, impair joint function, and increase your fracture risk.
Freiberg’s Disease
Freiberg’s Disease flattens the head of a metatarsal bone. This causes a forefoot ache that worsens with activity and stiffens the affected toe. The sooner you seek a diagnosis for any of these conditions, the better off your feet will be.
Dr. Darren Silvester and our team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic are more than happy to help you. To make an appointment at either of our offices call (210) 375-3318, or request an appointment (HERE)
