Pain beneath a toenail can be more than a simple nail problem. In many cases, discomfort, nail deformity, or recurring corns at the tip of the toe are caused by subungual exostosis—a bone spur that forms underneath the nail. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we specialize in diagnosing and treating subungual exostosis in Brooklyn, with convenient care available for patients in Queens and Manhattan.
Our goal is to eliminate the underlying cause of pain, restore comfort, and prevent recurrence through precise, medically guided treatment.
What Is Subungual Exostosis?
Subungual exostosis is a bony growth (bone spur) that develops at the tip of the toe beneath the toenail. This condition often causes nail deformity, pressure, and significant discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes.
Sometimes deformed nails are associated with a small bone spur at the tip of the toe under the nail. This can cause considerable discomfort at the nail or beneath it. The skin between the nail and the bone can become irritated, leading to a painful corn or callus. If the nail is removed without removing the bone spur, the corn or callus can continue to form on the tip of the toe. Therefore, the most effective way to treat this condition is to remove the spur as well.
Subungual exostosis may develop due to trauma, chronic pressure, infection, or repetitive irritation, and it often worsens over time if left untreated.
Symptoms of Subungual Exostosis
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain beneath or around the toenail
- Nail lifting or distortion
- Thickened or misshapen toenail
- Recurrent corns or calluses at the tip of the toe
- Discomfort when walking or wearing closed shoes
Early diagnosis is important to prevent ongoing pain and nail damage.
Treatment Options for Subungual Exostosis
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, nail involvement, and presence of infection or fungal tissue. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we tailor treatment to address both the nail abnormality and the underlying bone spur.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery uses a specialized high-frequency laser. Fungal tissue and the nail can be removed permanently when the nail root or growth center is destroyed with a laser.
This option may be recommended when nail deformity or fungal involvement is present along with subungual irritation. Laser treatment allows for precise removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Chemical Cauterization for Permanent Nail Removal
This procedure involves permanently removing one or both sides of a toenail and removing fungal tissue if it is present. The root of the toenail is then treated with a chemical agent that destroys it. If the entire toenail needs to be removed, the same procedure is employed for the entire tissue under the nail and the complete root.
Chemical cauterization is often used when recurring nail problems contribute to pain or infection and conservative measures have failed.
Surgical Removal of the Bone Spur
When a bone spur is present beneath the nail, surgical removal of the spur is essential to prevent recurrence of pain, corns, or calluses. Removing the nail alone does not resolve the underlying issue. The procedure focuses on eliminating the bony growth to restore comfort and allow proper healing.
What Recovery Time to Expect From Subungual Exostosis Surgery
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure performed. Most patients experience:
- Gradual reduction in pain and pressure
- Improved comfort during walking
- Healing of the nail bed and surrounding skin over several weeks
Postoperative instructions will include guidance on wound care, activity level, and footwear to support proper healing and reduce swelling.
Toenail Surgery
Toenail surgery may be employed to alleviate the following types of deformities:
• Ingrowing toenail
• Incurvated nail
• Fungus nail
• Thick nail (hypertrophied)
• Injury to a toenail
These procedures are often combined with treatment of subungual exostosis when nail deformities and underlying bone spurs coexist.
Why Choose Best Foot Doctor NY?
- Experienced podiatrists specializing in nail and bone conditions
- Accurate diagnosis of subungual exostosis
- Comprehensive treatment addressing both nail and bone
- In-office and outpatient surgical options
- Convenient NYC locations
Our focus is on long-term relief, not temporary fixes.
Subungual Exostosis Treatment in Brooklyn, Queens & Manhattan
Best Foot Doctor NY proudly treats subungual exostosis and related nail conditions at our locations throughout New York City:
Brooklyn – 263 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Queens – 70-15 Austin Street, Forest Hills, NY
Manhattan – 55 East 72nd Street, New York, NY
Schedule an Appointment With a Subungual Exostosis Doctor in Brooklyn
If you are experiencing persistent pain beneath a toenail, nail deformity, or recurring corns at the tip of your toe, you may have subungual exostosis. Early evaluation and proper treatment can prevent ongoing discomfort and nail damage.
Call or schedule an appointment with Best Foot Doctor NY today to see a trusted subungual exostosis doctor in Brooklyn, serving patients throughout Queens and Manhattan.