What We Treat
Ingrown Toenail
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the nail curves downward and presses into the skin beside it. It most commonly occurs on the big toe.
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This can happen for several reasons:​
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Footwear that is too tight, narrow or short
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Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners
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Natural nail shape or inherited nail structure
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Previous trauma to the toe​
If left untreated, the area can become increasingly painful and may develop an infection.
Symptoms to watch for:
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Tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
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Redness or swelling
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Sharp pain when walking or wearing shoes
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Drainage or signs of infection in more advanced cases
How is an ingrown toenail treated?
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Conservative Care: Mild ingrown toenails can often be managed with a simple in‑office procedure that provides relief.
Partial Nail Avulsion (Toenail Surgery): For recurring or severe cases, a Partial Nail Avulsion may be recommended. This minor surgical procedure is performed under local anesthetic in our Ancaster clinic. Only the problematic portion of the nail is removed, and the nail root (matrix) is treated to prevent regrowth of the ingrown section.
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Performed under sterile conditions
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No downtime for most patients
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Straightforward home aftercare
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A follow‑up appointment ensures proper healing.
Learn more about our surgical approach on our surgery page.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails: You can reduce the risk of future ingrown toenails by:
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Cutting toenails straight across—not too short
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Wearing shoes that provide enough width and length
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Avoiding tight socks or footwear that compress the toes
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Seeking early care if you notice irritation
If footwear is contributing to the problem, consider exploring orthopaedic shoes.