Ingrown Toenail Surgery at Our Calgary Clinic
We at North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic understand how bothersome an ingrown toenail can be. It can interrupt your daily routine and force you to sit out activities. For this reason, our foot clinic offers reliable ingrown toenail removal in Calgary. When you come to us, we carefully assess your toenail and determine its cause. Our team then provides a customized treatment plan to avoid complications such as infections. You can rely on us to meet your needs quickly and efficiently.
If you require ingrown toenail surgery, nail treatment or any other foot care solution in Calgary, please get in touch with us.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
When a toenail is ingrown, the nail is curved downward and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odour. However, even if your toe isn’t painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can become an infection.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Multiple factors may contribute to nail growth that penetrates surrounding skin:
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Improper nail trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners may alter growth direction.
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Tight footwear: Shoes that compress the toes may cause the nail edge to be directed downward.
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Toe trauma: Stubbing injuries or repetitive pressure from sports can influence nail growth patterns.
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Genetic factors: Some individuals naturally have more curved nails, increasing the likelihood of ingrown nails.
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Foot and toe anatomy: Structural issues such as pronation or toe crowding may increase pressure along the nail margins.
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Sweating or moisture: Excess moisture can soften surrounding skin, increasing irritation.
These contributors may work individually or in combination, depending on foot mechanics and footwear habits.
How Is an Ingrown Toenail Diagnosed?
An ingrown toenail is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. The diagnosis involves assessing the affected toe for signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail, including redness, swelling, tenderness, and potential infection. The healthcare professional may ask about the individual's symptoms and medical history, and they may also examine the toenail closely to determine the extent of the ingrown nail and any associated complications. In some cases, imaging tests or laboratory tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions or infections. North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic can help discover your problem and recommend possible treatment for ingrown toenails. Connect with us to discover more!
Why Is It Important to Treat an Ingrown Toenail?
We often ignore the symptoms of ingrown toenails and wait for them to disappear. This can not only worsen the problem, but it can also lead to several severe issues. It is crucial to get the right treatment for your ingrown toenail because:
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It can lead to an infection in your bone and toe.
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It can lead to the appearance of foot ulcers and sores.
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It can lead to tissue decay.
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It can lead to severe issues in those with diabetes.
Treating an ingrown toenail is crucial for pain relief, preventing infection, and avoiding complications. Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to significant discomfort, potential infection, and even more serious complications such as cellulitis or bone infections. By promptly addressing and treating the ingrown toenail, individuals can experience relief, promote healing, and improve their overall quality of life by regaining comfort and mobility.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
In some people, ingrown toenails are a result of genetic predisposition. However, others can avoid them by:
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Not cutting toenails too short.
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Cutting your toenails straight with no curving in at the edges.
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Ensuring the right shoe size.
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Wearing the right footwear for different work conditions.
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Keeping feet clean and dry.
Please speak to us if you have any questions about ingrown toenails and how to prevent their formation.
Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails
North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic offers ingrown nail treatment options in Calgary, designed to alleviate discomfort, manage inflammation, and promote healthy nail growth.
Non-surgical options include:
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Warm water soaks: May help reduce irritation and soften surrounding skin.
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Topical antiseptic care: Used when early signs of infection are present.
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Nail-lifting techniques: Placement of a small material under the nail edge to guide proper growth.
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Footwear modification: Use of shoes with wider toe boxes to minimize pressure.
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Pressure-relief devices: Orthotics or padding for improved toe alignment.
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Education on proper trimming: Straight-edge cutting to mitigate recurrence risk.
Contact us for support with ingrown nail treatment in Calgary, and we will guide you toward the most appropriate care options!
When Ingrown Toenail Surgery Becomes a Consideration
At North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic, we aim to determine when ingrown toenail surgery is the most appropriate option for lasting relief. Surgical procedures that address the root cause include:
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Partial nail avulsion: Removal of the problematic portion of the nail to alleviate pressure.
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Total nail avulsion: Removal of the entire nail when there is severe disease or repeated infection.
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Matrixectomy: Prevention of regrowth along the affected nail border using chemical or surgical methods.
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Soft tissue debridement: Removal of inflamed or overgrown tissue to assist healing.
These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia. Our team strives to provide clear instructions for post-operative care to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence. Consult with our podiatrists for ingrown toenail surgery in Calgary.
Contact Us
North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic strives to provide clear guidance and schedule appointments for ingrown toenail surgery options tailored to your specific needs in Calgary. Don't live with ingrown toenail pain! Call North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic in Calgary today!