Ingrown Toenail Removal - What to Wear Post op

[scottishf]

My son is about to have his toenail removed, and I dont want him to miss too much school. There is no way he will wear a sandle to school for fear of being teased, but I thought if I could get a hold of one of those overshoes the blue ones that you get from the hospital when you have a cast on that would be better. Any ideas??

[arharper]

Hi there

I am training to be a podiatrist and have carried out nail surgery so thought I'd reply.

The dressing that he will have on for the first 24 to 48 hours will be bulky so he needs a shoe that can accomodate the dressing. So although open toed sandals are best, spacious footwear would also be ok. I am not sure what the blue shoe you mention is so can't comment on this. As it maybe a bit painful the day after (but not as painful as an ingrown nail!!) he probably won't want anything too occlusive anyway.

The most important thing is that infection is prevented with the dressing staying in place and don't let the wound become exposed to the air as this dramatically increases your chances of infection.

Hope this helps

Alison

[elle45]

Hiya, my son is also waiting to have his ingrown toe nail removed!! I just thought maybe that toe that is being done, I would give him a velco sandle to put on while the dressing is on! We cannot wait for it to be done as he cannot play footie (he is in two teams) and he is just sitting in front of a computer or his xbox!! He has also filled out abit as he is getting no exercise!!!

[RebekahR]

I had this operation done around 8 years ago. I left the hospital in a wheelchair lol but all I wore home was a sock over my foot but as has been mentioned a very wide opened sandle would suit as it will be painful. For a boy I would just say an old pair of socks will do!All I had to do climb into the chair climb out into the taxi then talk down the garden path to the front door so did me enough. As for going back to school I think he will be signed off for a week or 2. I had to lie with my foot up for a good week to reduce the inflammation. Also sleep with a pillow under my foot. Have lots of ibupfen at hand to help bring down the inflammation also.