The most common place for an ingrown toenail is the big toe and the number one cause is improper cutting. Nails that are trimmed down into the corner or peeled off at the edge are likely to become ingrown. Other causes include injury to the toe. People who go barefoot and stub a toe often wind up with ingrown toenails, as may those who drop something heavy on their toe. Tight fitting shoes, which encourage nails to curl in, and a condition called hyperhydrosis, or excessive sweating of the feet, can also cause ingrown toenails.

A toenail that is just starting to ingrow or that is not deeply ingrown can be relieved at home. Soak the foot in warm water to soften the nail and then place dry cotton, such as part of a cotton ball, under the corner of the nail. The cotton elevates the nail from the skin and will redirect the nail to grow out properly.

Some people believe that if they cut a V-shaped wedge from the middle of the nail the sides will grow towards the center and away from the ingrown edge. This is inaccurate. Nails grow from back to front only. (See below for prevention tips.)

If the condition doesn't respond, it's time to visit the podiatrist's office. More than likely there is a splinter of nail embedded in the side of the toe. Or the nail may be ingrown along the entire side, not just at the tip. With a skilled hand and the right instruments, most ingrown nails can be removed in minutes with little or no pain.

In more severe cases or with recurring ingrown toenails, there is an option for permanent correction. This involves removing the portion of the nail that is ingrown and applying a chemical to the root to prevent it from regrowing. The procedure is painless and takes only minutes in the podiatrist's office under local anesthesia. Patients are able to walk immediately and return to work the same day.