Ingrown toenails are one of the most common, and most painful, foot problems people experience. They can make even simple activities like walking, running, or wearing shoes uncomfortable. The good news is that with the right care, you can prevent ingrown toenails and treat them effectively when they do occur.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight out. This most often affects the big toe and can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes infection.
Common signs of an ingrown toenail include:
- Pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
- Red, swollen skin near the nail edge
- Drainage or pus if an infection develops
- Difficulty wearing shoes due to pressure
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Several factors can lead to an ingrown toenail, including:
- Improper nail trimming – Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the skin.
- Tight or ill-fitting footwear – Shoes that crowd the toes put pressure on the nail edges.
- Injury – Stubbing your toe or repeated trauma (like kicking a soccer ball) can change nail growth.
- Genetics – Some people naturally have curved nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
While not every ingrown toenail can be avoided, these steps can greatly reduce your risk:
- Trim nails properly – Cut toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners.
- Wear supportive shoes – Choose shoes with enough room for your toes to move comfortably.
- Practice good foot hygiene – Keep your feet clean and nails at a moderate length.
- Protect your toes – If you play sports or work in an environment with risk of injury, wear protective footwear.
How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail
If you notice the early signs of an ingrown toenail, you may be able to relieve it at home:
- Soak your foot – Warm water soaks (15–20 minutes, a few times a day) can soften the nail and reduce swelling.
- Wear open-toed shoes – This reduces pressure on the toe while it heals.
- Keep the toe clean – Wash gently and apply an antibiotic cream if the skin looks irritated.
However, if pain worsens, swelling increases, or you notice pus, it’s important to see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, relieve your pain, and prevent the issue from recurring. In some cases, a minor procedure can permanently prevent the problem nail edge from growing back.
When to See a Podiatrist
You should seek professional care if you have:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Signs of infection (redness, pus, warmth)
- Recurrent ingrown toenails
- Diabetes, circulation problems, or other conditions that affect foot health
Bottom line: Ingrown toenails are common but shouldn’t be ignored. With proper prevention and care, you can keep your toes healthy and pain-free. And if you need relief, your podiatrist can provide safe, effective treatment.