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Published on: 4/7/2025

Is It Normal to Experience Pain Two Weeks After Toenail Removal, and What Should I Do?

It is common to have some discomfort two weeks after toenail removal as your toe is still healing, but if the pain gets worse or is very severe, you should check in with your doctor.

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Explanation

After toenail removal, it is normal to feel some pain as your toe heals. Healing can take several weeks, and during this time, mild discomfort is expected. This pain can come from the area where the nail was removed or even from the tissue underneath as it repairs itself. Sometimes, pain may continue if there is a small infection or if the area becomes irritated from pressure or friction. To manage the pain, you can gently clean the area as advised by your healthcare provider and apply any recommended ointments or dressings. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to wear loose, comfortable shoes to avoid additional pressure on your toe. However, if you notice increased redness, swelling, pus, or if the pain becomes more intense rather than gradually improving, it would be important to contact your doctor. They can evaluate the healing process, check for any complications, and suggest any extra treatments if needed.

(References)

  • Akdeniz H, Ozer K, Dikmen A, Kocer U. Common surgery, uncommon complication. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2015 Oct 31;5(4):1-3. doi: 10.5826/dpc.0504a01. PMID: 26693080; PMCID: PMC4667592.

  • Bernardshaw SV, Dolva Sagedal LH, Michelet KM, Brudvik C. Postoperative treatment after partial nail ablation of ingrown toenails - does it matter what we recommend? A blinded randomised study. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2019 Jun;37(2):165-173. doi: 10.1080/02813432.2019.1608041. Epub 2019 May 3. PMID: 31050312; PMCID: PMC6566789.

  • Exley V, Jones K, O'Carroll G, Watson J, Backhouse M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of surgical treatments for ingrown toenails part II: healing time, post-operative complications, pain, and participant satisfaction. J Foot Ankle Res. 2023 Sep 6;16(1):55. doi: 10.1186/s13047-023-00655-7. PMID: 37674170; PMCID: PMC10481456.

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