Stabbing pain" or osteophytes?

I’ve only recently signed up here, so I suppose I’m still a bit green when it comes to posting and asking questions, though I have noticed a lot of intelligent inquiries and responses so far.

For a few years now, I’ve been dealing with a recurring ingrown toenail. My doctors are suggesting that surgery might not be the best route, claiming there's a high chance it just keeps coming back.

Has anyone else dealt with this particular issue?
Thanks

Has it really been a few years???
My mother-in-law dealt with this, and it flared up in just a couple of months—it was honestly pretty nasty
to the point where she could barely even walk. She ended up doing two weeks of physical therapy, I think involving some kind of
laser treatment and maybe something else, and then it cleared right up within a few weeks.

In my opinion, you're looking at either laser therapy or ultrasound as your best bet. Plus, don't forget about those heel lifts—the ones with the soft cushioning right where the splinter is located...

The doctor told my mom that they could either go in surgically or try breaking that splinter up with a laser. My mother actually went through those laser treatments, and she felt significantly better after about four or five sessions. It might be worth looking into that option for you before deciding if surgery is even necessary.

Aaron Lopez43 said:The doctor told my mom that they can deal with that splinter either through surgery or laser treatment. My mother actually went through those laser sessions, and she felt a noticeable difference after maybe four or five treatments. I suppose it might be worth looking into that option before deciding if surgery is even necessary.

I appreciate the advice. I'll check with my doctor about the laser therapy; I'm just hoping it's something available at a standard hospital rather than having to go to some expensive private clinic.

It should be possible; my mother does similar work at a local community clinic over in Arlington.

Aaron Lopez43 said:I suppose it's possible, since my mother does that kind of work at a local community health clinic over in downtown Chicago.

Is that in Washington, D.C.?

It’s true, pretty close to the downtown area if you ever decide to head that way... meanwhile, my mom finally wrapped up her physical therapy sessions and, honestly, she’s like a whole new person.