Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Ingrown toenails can be painful and prone to infection. We provide safe, professional treatment options—from conservative care to minor procedures—to relieve discomfort and prevent recurrence.

Ingrown toenail treatment at Simcoe Foot Clinic, Alliston
icons left

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the nail presses into the surrounding skin, often on the big toe. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection—even from something as simple as the pressure of socks or bedsheets.

You may develop an ingrown toenail due to:

  • Improper nail trimming (cutting too short or leaving sharp corners)
  • Curved, thick, or broad nail shapes
  • Toe injuries or repetitive trauma (e.g. tight steel-toe boots)
  • Abnormal walking patterns or foot structure
  • Tight-fitting shoes, socks, or hosiery

In some cases, a small benign growth called a granuloma may form along the nail border due to chronic irritation.

Signs You Should Seek Treatment

While some mild ingrown nails improve with home care, recurring pain, swelling, or discharge may signal the need for professional attention. You should contact us if you notice:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling around the nail edge
  • Pus, bleeding, or watery discharge
  • Difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably
  • Repeated episodes of infection or inflammation

Early treatment can prevent complications like infection, nail deformity, or deeper tissue damage.

Simcoe Foot Clinic’s Treatment Options

Our chiropodists are trained to manage ingrown toenails gently and effectively, offering both conservative care and permanent correction options.

Conservative Treatment:

For first-time or mild cases, we may carefully trim the nail edge, elevate the nail with sterile packing, recommend saltwater foot soaks, and prescribe topical or oral antibiotics if infection is present.

Permanent Solution – In-Clinic Procedure:

If the problem is chronic, we may recommend a simple, effective procedure performed in our clinic’s surgical suite. This includes:

  • Numbing the toe with a local anesthetic
  • Removing the ingrown edge of the nail
  • Applying phenol to prevent regrowth on that side
  • Dressing the toe with a topical antibiotic

This procedure is painless, with minimal downtime. Healing usually takes 3–4 weeks, and the nail will appear slightly narrower—without the risk of regrowth on the treated side.

Why Choose Simcoe Foot Clinic?

We take a compassionate, clinical approach to nail care and treat ingrown toenails with precision and care.

  • Experienced chiropodists skilled in nail procedures
  • In-office surgical suite for permanent correction
  • Immediate relief from pain and infection
  • Clean, sterile environment with gentle technique
  • Safe care for patients with diabetes or circulation issues

Book Your Appointment

Don’t wait for an ingrown toenail to worsen. Whether it’s a one-time issue or a recurring problem, our team is here to help you heal comfortably and confidently.