Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.
- Anaphylaxis
- A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction needing immediate emergency treatment.
- Capillary refill
- Pressing the toe and timing how quickly the colour returns, as a quick check of blood supply.
- Digital block
- An injection at the base of the toe that numbs the whole toe.
- Doppler
- A handheld device that listens to blood flow in the arteries of the foot.
- Ischaemia
- Not enough blood reaching the tissue, which can cause it to die.
- LAST
- Poisoning caused by too much local anaesthetic reaching the bloodstream, which can cause fits or stop the heart.
- Matrix
- The part under the base of the nail that grows the nail.
- Osteomyelitis
- Infection of the bone, which needs urgent medical treatment.
- Partial nail avulsion
- Removing a strip down one side of the toenail, usually for an ingrowing nail.
- Phenol
- A corrosive chemical applied to the nail matrix so that the removed part of the nail does not grow back.
- Protective sensation
- Enough feeling in the foot to notice pain or pressure and react to it.
- Regrowth
- Nail growing back in a part that was treated to stop it growing, and the commonest reason for a repeat procedure.
- Tourniquet
- A tight band put round the toe to stop bleeding during the procedure. It must always be removed.
- Vasoconstrictor
- A substance that narrows blood vessels. Not used in toes here, because the toe depends on a small blood supply.