Ingrown toenails may be caused by a number of factors, namely the genetic shape of your nail which is inherited, trauma, certain systemic diseases or ill-fitting shoe gear. In the acute setting a portion of the nail may be temporarily removed to relieve pain, pressure, infection and/or inflammation. In the chronic setting a permanent nail procedure may be done to narrow down or limit the amount of toenail that grows. This is done by using acid to “kill” the cells that grow the toenail, most often done just to the sides of the toenail. Local anesthesia is used and patients are able to return to work and activity the following day.
