Ingrown Toenail
Treatment in Calgary
Most ingrown toenails are fixed in a single visit, under local anesthetic, with same-week appointments. If yours keeps coming back, we can correct the nail edge permanently.
- 20–30 min A typical visit, start to finish
- 1 visit Resolves most cases
- Same week Appointment availability
10k+ Satisfied Clients
Understanding the condition
When the nail edge grows into the skin
An ingrown toenail — onychocryptosis — happens when the side of the nail plate presses into the soft tissue beside it instead of growing over the top. The skin responds the way it responds to any splinter: it swells, it reddens, and it hurts.
The big toe is the usual culprit, and pressure makes it worse — which is why it tends to announce itself inside a shoe rather than barefoot. Left alone, the broken skin gives bacteria a way in, and a sore toe becomes an infected one.
Why it happens
4 things behind almost every ingrown toenail
Most ingrown toenails develop from a combination of nail shape, trimming habits, footwear, and repeated pressure. Understanding the cause can help prevent the problem from coming back.
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Cutting the nail too short
Or rounding the corners. A nail cut into a curve leaves a spike behind that the skin then grows over.
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Shoes That Squeeze
Narrow toe boxes push the skin against the nail for hours at a time, especially in dress shoes, boots, or athletic footwear.
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The Nail You Were Born With
Some nails are naturally wider or more curved, making ingrown edges more likely even with careful trimming.
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Impact & Repeated Pressure
A stubbed toe, dropped weight, running, or repeated pressure on the front of the shoe can push the nail into the surrounding skin.
25+ Years
Serving Calgary patients
3 Podiatrists
“Specialized foot and ankle care
Know the signs
When It Starts Becoming a Problem
Pain from an ingrown toenail often becomes more noticeable when walking, wearing closed-toe shoes, standing for long periods, or even lightly touching the affected area. As irritation increases, the skin around the nail may become red, warm, swollen, and increasingly tender.
In more advanced cases, drainage, persistent bleeding, or pus can develop and may indicate inflammation or infection. Even normal footwear may start to feel uncomfortable as pressure on the affected toe increases.
- Worsening Pain
- Skin Overgrowth
- Redness & Swelling
- Drainage or Pus
- Shoe Discomfort
What to Avoid
- Digging into the nail corners
- Cutting the nail too short
- Trying to remove the nail yourself
- Ignoring redness, swelling, or drainage
How we treat it
Three routes, depending on how far it has gone
Treatment depends on how irritated the nail is, whether infection is present, and whether the problem keeps coming back. Your podiatrist will examine the toe, explain the available options, and recommend the most appropriate approach for your situation.
Your podiatrist will talk you through which treatment applies before anything is done. You’ll know what to expect, why it’s recommended, and what recovery may look like. Nothing happens without your agreement.
Conservative care
Lifting and trimming the offending spike
For a nail that has only just begun to press in, with the skin still intact. We remove the spike, clean out the fold, and show you how to keep the edge clear as it grows.
- Most common
Partial nail avulsion
Removing only the edge that is digging in
The strip of nail pressing into the skin comes out under local anesthetic. The rest of the nail is left alone — from above, most people cannot tell anything was done.
Permanent correction
Stopping that edge from growing back
For nails that keep recurring. After the edge is removed, the matrix beneath it is treated so that narrow strip does not regrow. The nail keeps working — it simply sits a little narrower.
FAQs
Get Quick answers to common questions
Find helpful information about referrals, insurance coverage, children’s foot care, and preparing for your first appointment.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
No referral is required to book an appointment with our podiatrists. Some insurance plans may ask for one, so check with your provider.
Is podiatry covered by my insurance?
Achilles Foot Clinic accepts most insurance plans, but coverage varies. Contact your insurance provider or the clinic to confirm your benefits before treatment.
Do you treat children’s feet?
Yes. Our podiatrists provide care for patients of all ages, including children.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your health card, insurance details, a list of medications and the footwear you wear most often.
What conditions do your podiatrists treat?
We treat heel pain, Achilles tendon problems, ankle sprains, ingrown and fungal toenails, bunions, plantar warts, diabetic foot concerns and more.
Do you provide custom foot orthotics?
Yes. We assess your feet and gait and prescribe custom orthotics made for your needs.
Patient Experiences
Trusted by Patients Across Calgary
See how personalized podiatric care at Achilles Foot Clinic has helped patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and feel more confident with every step.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Went to two podiatrist prior to this clinic, so I was coming in very informed and able to identify my specific issue. This seemed to be helpful to the doctor and he was able to discuss more well rounded options. I'm really surprised by the poor reviews here. Front desk ladies seemed to be busy and straight to the point, I see no issue with that at a busy clinic. Had to pay the $100 fee upfront but this was told to me when the clinic called to confirm appointment, I was well informed on the cost
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Gatenby & his team are simply amazing. They have been very helpful and effective in treating my foot pain because of which I have been limping. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Mann is an exceptional doctor and he has been continuously empathetic and helpful with the treatment of my ankle. 10/10 recommend him for any of your foot related injury/treatments.
However, whenever i try to call the clinic, there is lot of waiting, then they still don't pick up and take you straight to voicemail. - 5 out of 5 stars
Needed a short notice appointment for my mom, who has dementia. They were able to get us in the same day and Dr Rory was AMAZING. My mom’s toenails needed to be trimmed and she had a bit of an ingrown nail and he was able to take care of all of it. I was super grateful as I live out of province.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I had a great experience with Dr. Gurbir Mann. He saw me last minute for a fracture in my foot and I felt at ease the whole time during my appointment, he was friendly, calm and explained everything thoroughly to me. I am very grateful for how well I have been taken care of
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Mann is the best! Always answers all my questions and has plenty of solutions for me to keep moving. Always very thorough, explaining every procedure and very gentle. Just the best! Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service at the front desk.
Convenient ways to make appointments.
The Podiatrist is friendly, welcoming and treated our minor child with patience and respect.
Wheelchair accessible location with above and underground parking options.
Definitely would go back if needed. - 5 out of 5 stars
Dr Mann was awesome! Very friendly and got me in and out in no time. Making an appointment was very easy got one just a few days after calling thank you for the amazing service Achilles!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I went there because i had an ingrown toe nail and it was getting really bad and was hurting me a lot. I did not have to wait long and was able to book an appointment through call for the following day.The staff there took really good care of me and especially Dr Rory who performed the surgery for me. Throughout the surgery he reassured me that it was going to be painless and was fast which helped me to calm myself down. It indeed was quick and painless. I highly recommend going to this clinic as the staff there are really nice and things get done really quickly. I will be going back there again if I have anymore injuries/problems in the future!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I never thought I would be bringing a teen to a foot clinic but after 18 months of hell with my son's feet we were off to Achilles foot clinic this week. I was absolutely blown away by the customer service. My son was nervous and the doctor took immense care to calm him down. They took breaks. Easily put in the freezing with no pain. This was night and day to any other medical experience we have had. Highly recommend this clinic for being on time, affordable, clean, filled with loving smiling faces and ready to cater to all sorts of needs. 100% recommend. Will not go anywhere else in the future but Achilles' Foot Clinic.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I saw Dr. Gatenby today after stepping on a piece of glass. I don't know how this clinic could receive anything less than 5 stars. Everyone is so friendly and efficient. From the reception, to the nursing staff and especially Dr. Gatenby. The clinic is clean, well run and he was able to remove a piece of glass from my foot with no complications. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
My son had an appointment with Dr.Gatenby and can’t say enough good things about the clinic. They were able to get us in quickly and Dr.Gatenby was one of the nicest doctors we have seen in the city. He solved my son’s issue quickly and explained the procedure to him as he worked. Would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone with foot issues.
- 5 out of 5 stars
The entire process was easy, pleasant and efficient. Booking was easy, and I visited Dr Gatenby. His manner is professional and personal. It was obvious he enjoys his profession and serving people!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I called and was able to make an appointment very quickly to be seen by Dr. Gatenby about an infection in my cuticles. The doctor was incredibly nice and helpful, and even when he had to do a procedure on my toes and my anxiety was going crazy, he reassured me and helped me calm down and feel much better. The ladies at the office are also all incredibly nice. I couldn’t recommend this clinic enough, seriously great staff and great doctors!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I wish I hadn’t waited so long to see Dr Rory about my ingrown toenails .
He is the most kind caring and gentle of doctors. I have been putting up with pain and discomfort for way too long because I was nervous about having surgery to fix the problem. Dr Rory Gatenby put my fears at ease straight away and he and his team took care of me from start to finish. If I know of anyone looking for a great foot clinic team to take care of them I will highly recommend they go to see Dr Rory Gatenby. He is the best and my surgery was nothing to be worried. I can’t say enough about my whole experience - 5 out of 5 stars
So far. So great! A+ I've been to another foot clinic in the nw, this location explained my situation fully addressed my issue and set me up with a plan moving forward. I saw Dr.Purych regarding some foot pain, heel pain and corns. Solved. Thanks a bunch!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Definitely 5 stars for this place! First off, I had called to get an appointment and the receptionist was amazing. She had empathy for my concerns and was able to get me in the next day. We met with Dr Mann, amazing again. His bedside manner was impeccable, he was very informative and understood my concerns and eased my mind very quickly. And lastly the reception staff again were great again to deal with in person with their friendly attitudes and fast responses. I definitely enjoyed my experience at this clinic and the friendly, informative service was great to see!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I will never not reccomend Archilles foot clinic. I had an incredible experience here a few years ago with Dr Mann. I waited years to deal with my ingrown toenails after watching my brother's horrible recovery at another place, but Dr. Mann was absolutely wonderful, and I regret waiting so long. My ingrowns have never come back thanks to Archilles. I send all of my friends here when they have ingrown toenails because of how much I appreciated my experience here.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I was very impressed with Dr. Mann. He takes the time to actually explain what's going on with your feet. Very personable and professional. Finally I found someone to help me about my bunion. Highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I had to shop around before I found Achilles .... because of the painful, expensive and lengthy treatment plans I was being offered by other clinics. At Achilles, I can truly report that the problem was painlessly resolved in only a few visits ... at fraction of the cost (and pain!). I received excellent treatment from Dr. Purych ... who successfully treated my long standing, stubborn plantar wart problem. I have no hesitation in providing this clinic a "five stars plus" review ... for their professionalism and focus on their patients.
Serving Calgary & Nearby Communities
Expert Foot Care Close to Home
Achilles Foot Clinic welcomes patients from Calgary and surrounding communities with personalized care for foot and ankle pain, injuries, and ongoing conditions.
Our Service Area
- Calgary
- Airdrie
- Okotoks
- Cochrane
Need an Appointment?
Tell us what’s bothering you, and our team will help you find the right care.