DeNova Health is home to a team of talented foot-care specialists in Hamilton who treat all kinds of conditions affecting feet, including ingrown toenails and other common foot and nail concerns.

Ingrown toenails can seem like a small problem. After all, how much harm can a tiny nail inflict on a big toe? The answer is a lot – especially if the surrounding skin around the toe becomes infected or painful when walking.

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a common condition affecting many people. For some, however, it’s more than a source of discomfort. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail has the potential of becoming extremely painful and evolving into a serious medical problem that may require professional foot care.

If ingrown toenails are chronic and cause pain and suffering, we're here to help. Our clinic is staffed by the best foot-care team in the business, including Orthopaedic Surgeons, certified Chiropodists, Pedorthists and registered nurses who deliver the best care available for foot pain, nail problems and lower limb concerns.

Plus, our facility is home to top-of-the-line technology, and private rooms to ensure your absolute comfort. Moreover, our staff maintains full medical records for each patient, and provides complete follow-through reports to other health-care providers, such as family physicians and other members of your health-care team.

What causes ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the sides of the nail grow into the skin surrounding the toe. There are many causes, including improper nail cutting, ill-fitted footwear, injuries and fungal infections that can affect nail health.

In less severe cases, ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Soaking your foot in warm water will soften the skin around the affected nail, allowing you to push it away with a cotton swab. Repeated, this will encourage healthy nail growth and may help relieve mild ingrown toenail discomfort.

When to see a foot-care specialist?

Without a doubt diabetics who experience ingrown toenails are at a high risk of complications and need to visit us immediately for diabetic foot care and professional assessment.

For others, signs of serious infection can include unbearable pain, swelling, puss and sometimes fever around the affected toe.

Alleviating the condition can require a minor surgery to remove part of the nail that is ingrown – known as a partial nail plate avulsion or ingrown toenail procedure.

The procedure calls for a local anaesthetic and incision to remove the offending edge. After surgery, the nail will grow normally but more narrowly – preventing the recurrence of an ingrown toenail in the treated area.