Really bad ingrown toenail?

How bad does an ingrown toenail removal procedure hurt?

• I have two ingrown toenails, and I've lived with them for almost a year and a half. The pain isn't crazy bad and I can tolerate it 95% of the time, but both are infected and this is just a burden. When I go in for the procedure what will they do, and what is it going to be like afterwords? I've been putting this off for too long but every time I stub my toe or bump it, the pain is excruciating and if its hit hard enough it bleed and puss. Am I going to be able to work and put pressure on my foot afterwords? It's bailing season right now and I'm constantly walking, climbing, and lifting and I've found it gets pretty hard to carry a 60 lb hay bale up a precarious tower of unsteady bales without putting pressure on my toe.

• Answer:

  Aaron, I had a big toenail ingrown off and on for 10 years. Twice I went to the podiatrist and he used some special clippers to cut the nail at an angle so it could grow in properly. I was short of funds so he only charged me 35 bucks and that didnt include any kind of anesthesia. It hurt enough to make me yell ,but only for a few seconds. He seemed surprised that it was that painful as the level of swelling and infection usually precludes that much pain . I guess they can numb it with a local if desired. I think I had a bandage on for a few days but it was a very prompt and painless recovery. A friend was able to purchase the clippers but I havent needed them for a couple of years now since I dont cut my big toenails too short. Actually, I guess I should cut them a little shorter because they tend to cut through my socks and also my shoes as well!!! The doctor suggested I might consider the operation to cut the root of the nail to fix it properly but I think it was 200 bucks and I seem to have defeeted (joke) the condition. A gal that does pedicures said the operation isnt necessary but her methods to treat it I never found out. I recall it was sometimes awkward when dogs would smell my foot and start to lick my shoe. Oh, I think you WILL be able to walk and work after the procedure but thats from MY experience.