Can I Walk After Ingrown Toenail Surgery?

Dr Dannielle Slager (Podiatrist) – Sep 6, 2026

Can I Walk Straight After Surgery?

Yes, you will be able to walk out of the clinic after your procedure. No moon boot, no crutches, and certainly no wheelchair. 

The numbness from the anaesthetic in your toe will last for a further one to two hours after the procedure. Although it may feel a bit strange, you will still be able to walk with the rest of your foot.

Your toe will be dressed with a thick protective bandage, so we recommend wearing open-toed footwear immediately after surgery to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site. You will find it hard to wear enclosed shoes because of the thick bandage.

Whilst you can walk, we recommend only performing incidental (as needed) walking around the home. You should avoid unnecessary walking where possible, to limit pressure to the surgical site as it begins to heal. In other words, give yourself permission to put your feet up!

What About the First Few Days?

Walking for the first few days after surgery will be okay, but you will still be unable to wear enclosed shoes, and it should be kept to a minimum to give the surgical wounds the best chance to recover. For example, walking around the house or going to work may be fine depending on your job, but long walks, running and sport should wait until your toe has fully healed.

Some people experience a dull aching pain for the first few days after the procedure. This is able to be reduced with paracetamol, and is not usually anything to worry about. Some people don’t feel any pain at all.

Can I Go to Work After Ingrown Toenail Surgery?

The answer to this depends on your job, and what is required of your feet.

If you work from home, or work at a desk and are non-client facing, then you may still choose to go to work the next day wearing open toed shoes.

If your job requires you to wear corporate style shoes, then you will find it hard until the initial thick dressing is removed. This is usually 3-4 four days after the procedure, at your first follow up appointment.

If your job involves:

• Lots of walking
• Standing for long periods
• Steel cap work boots
• Heavy physical work
• Exposure to dirt or water

Then you may need some additional time to allow the toe to heal. We’ll discuss this with you based on your work and the extent of the procedure you’ve had.

How Spring Podiatry in Melton Can Help 

If you need to have ingrown toenail surgery, Spring Podiatry in Melton can to help to make the process as straight forward as possible for you.

Availability:
– We deliberately ensure that we have appointment times available for ingrown toenail procedures, so you can usually book one in within one week of your initial assessment. No need to wait!
– We have after hours appointments available, open til 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
– We have Saturday morning appointments available.

Scheduling:
– Many people decide to have the procedure performed on a Thursday evening, or a Friday. That way you can rest over the weekend, and book your first review on a Monday morning to minimise the time needed off work.

Attendance Certificate:
– Our podiatrists can write a letter to your employer or school explaining the situation and helping with any sick leave that you may need to take.

Need Ingrown Toenail Surgery?

If an ingrown toenail is painful, keeps coming back, or isn’t responding to conservative treatment, surgery may be an option. The good news is that you don’t need to be completely off your feet for weeks.

At Spring Podiatry in Melton, we perform ingrown toenail surgery all the time, and provide clear aftercare instructions to help you through the healing process.

If you’re struggling with an ingrown toenail, book an appointment with Spring Podiatry to discuss your treatment options.