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Dealing with ingrown toe nails 9-Mar-2015 At 2:05:43 PM MichaelOR

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Similar to BBSR. I had mine dealt with twice:
1. Local in GP's Surgery and ingrown nail dealt with. That particular GP had done a surgery work in a previous life. Unfortunately it grew back and then was even more ingrown! Grew forwards a bit and then straight down!
2. Referral off to a surgeon. He then dealt with it using a local as well. The plan was to remove the nail and the nail bed to stop it growing back. Operated in a public hospital with trainees observing. Surgeon stated to the trainees during the operation that it was important to remove all the nail bed or it would grow back.
Well, after the recovery a much smaller (narrower) nail grew back eventually! It has behaved itself but can't be cut (much too thick) and needs filing. When I rang the Surgeon he didn't believe me that the nail had grown back. Inspection proved me right.
After reading up on the operation since, and asking some doctors, it appears that the usual treatment involves treating the nail bed so stop it growing back EG Laser. My surgeon claimed that mine was the first toenail to regrow after the whole nail and nail bed had been removed. I still find that hard to believe.

Recovery involved bed for a few days (elevated foot) and then keeping off that foot. Then walking with a limp to protect toe from pressure for a while too. It was very painful - although mine may have been less painful if I'd got it operated on earlier. Make sure you have the option of strong pain killers if needed.