Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are common in the podiatry clinic and will always be managed conservatively prior to any thought of surgery.
Conservative measures include removal of the nail spicule, advice on appropriate footwear and correct nail cutting techniques if these issues have proven to be contributing to the ingrown toenails.
Nail surgery is only indicated when conservative management of ingrown toenails fails. It may also be required when nails are abnormally curved, thickened, damaged or if fungal infection is a problem. It involves removing part or the whole of the nail plate and matrix.
Once the matrix is removed the offending piece of nail will never grow back.
The procedure itself is painless due to the administration of a local anesthetic. Once the nail matrix is removed a chemical is applied to ensure regrowth does not occur.
If the side/s of the nail are removed the skin will heal to give a normal looking nail that is slightly narrower.
If the whole nail is removed the nail bed toughens over a few weeks so the area is not tender.
Galleria Podiatry will instruct you in detail on post-operative care as the first 3 days following nail surgery are crucial for rapid healing.
Podiatric Surgery
In cases where foot problems and deformities require more advanced surgical intervention Galleria Podiatry is proud to offer the expert services of renowned Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Nick Marino (Podiatrist).
Podiatric surgeons are podiatrists who have completed extensive, post-graduate medical and surgical training, which enables them to perform reconstructive surgery on the foot and ankle.
Podiatric surgeons adhere strictly to the same hospital protocols as other surgical specialities. Patient care and safety is paramount and the surgical team works closely together to ensure each patient receives the highest quality of care and respect.
Generally, a vast majority of foot and ankle surgery can be performed as day case surgery, or overnight stay if necessary. Surgery is performed under local or general anaesthesia.
Qualifications and Training
Before attaining a podiatric surgical fellowship qualification, one must first complete an extensive training program, including:
- Podiatry degree (4 Years)
- Minimum 2 years of podiatric clinical experience.
- Master of Podiatry (2 Years Full Time)
- A 3- stage surgical fellowship training under supervision of ACAPS (4-6 years)
- International residency training (National Health System in the UK and USA)
- A candidate must demonstrate mastery of knowledge in foot and ankle surgery by passing oral and written examinations administered by the ACPS.)
For most disorders there are numerous forms of treatment for foot and ankle problems. These may involve surgery, medicines, conservative or surgical treatment options for each individual patient. The Podiatric surgeon will go through all of these options with you and it will then be up to you if you would like to proceed with any treatment regime.
What do Podiatric Surgeons treat?
Podiatric surgeons are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. Podiatric surgeons are qualified to care for bone, joint, ligament, muscle and tendon problems. These may include :
- Structural deformities such as Bunion, Hammer Toes, Painful Flat Feet, High Arched Foot Deformity, and Bone Spurs.
- Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
- Nerve Entrapments (Morton’s neuroma)
- Tendon and Soft Tissue problems
- Degeneration of the joints in the foot and ankle.
- Skin and Nail conditions, such as ingrown nails.
- Congenital (Genetic) Deformities
- Trauma-related Injuries such as Fractures, Dislocations and Post-traumatic Arthrosis.