Toenail surgery: after-care (Easy Read)

When you get home

When the numbness wears off after a few hours, your toe may feel sore.

Here is some advice to help your toe heal after your operation.

• To help with the pain, take your usual painkillers (but not aspirin).
• Do not take aspirin, because this can make your wound bleed.

Rest as much as you can, keeping your foot raised to the level of your hip. This will help your toe to heal.

• You can use cushions or pillows to support your legs and feet.
• Wear a loose-fitting shoe (slipper, trainer, open-toed sandal). Do this until your toe is fully healed.
• If you need them, we will offer you weekly appointments until your toe has fully healed.

Looking after your dressing (bandage)

• Keep your bandage clean and dry.
• Do not take off the bandage to look at your toe.
• It is normal to see a spot or two of blood on the bandage.
• If more than two spots of blood show through, do the following:
  • put some extra gauze or cloth on top of the bandage.
  • keep your foot raised.

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• Keep your bandage on until your next appointment with the podiatrist. This usually takes place 1 to 2 days after surgery.
• If you need help with changing your dressing, we will offer you additional appointments.

When to get urgent help

Seek medical help if you experience any of the following:

• severe pain
• a very tight bandage or a lot of blood on the bandage
• you feel as though you have flu (temperature above 38c, chills, feeling generally unwell).

More information

[LVS to add link to Easy-Read toenail surgery when that leaflet is finalised]