What are ingrown toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. While some cases are mild and can be managed with routine podiatry care, others become chronic and require professional intervention to prevent recurrence.
Common causes of ingrown toenails:
- Improper nail trimming – Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges encourages them to grow into the skin.
- Trauma to the nail – Stubbing your toe, dropping something on your foot, or repetitive pressure from sports can lead to nail deformities.
- Tight or ill-fitting footwear – Shoes that put pressure on the toes can cause nails to press into the surrounding skin.
- Poor foot posture or hygiene – Improper foot mechanics and excessive moisture can contribute to ingrown nails.
- Genetics – Some individuals naturally have curved or thick nails, making them more prone to ingrown toenails.
Signs and symptoms of ingrown toenails:
- Pain and tenderness along the side of the toenail.
- Redness, swelling, and inflammation around the nail.
- Pus or drainage, indicating an infection.
- Difficulty wearing shoes or walking due to pain.