Why Do You Keep Getting Ingrown Toenails? Let’s Break It Down
Ingrown toenails are one of those small-but-mighty problems that can turn a normal day into a painful, limping mess. If you’ve ever dealt with one, you know what I’m talking about—the redness, swelling, and that awful stabbing pain when you put on shoes. So, why do they happen, and more importantly, how can you stop them from coming back?
1. Your Shoes Are Out to Get You
Shoes that are too tight in the toe box squeeze your nails into your skin like a vice grip. On the flip side, if your shoes are too loose, your toes can slam into the front of your shoe repeatedly, leading to nail trauma. Either way, it’s a recipe for an ingrown toenail. If you’re wearing narrow dress shoes, cleats, or even certain sneakers with a tapered toe, you might be setting yourself up for trouble.
Fix It:
Look for shoes with a wider toe box—your toes should have enough room to move, but not so much that they slide around. If you’re in cleats or skates, consider custom insoles to keep your foot properly positioned.
2. The Way You Cut Your Nails Matters (A Lot)
Most people don’t think twice about how they trim their toenails, but bad technique is a top reason for ingrown nails. If you cut them too short or round off the edges too much, the skin around the nail can start growing over it. The next thing you know, that sharp corner is digging in and causing pain.
Fix It:
Cut your toenails straight across and leave a little length—just past the tip of your toe. Avoid digging into the corners with nail clippers. If you already have an ingrown nail starting, resist the urge to “fix” it by cutting it shorter. That usually makes it worse.
3. Genetics: The Family Curse
Sometimes, you can do everything right and still get ingrown toenails because of the way your nails grow. If you have naturally curved or thick nails, you’re more likely to deal with this problem. Thanks, Mom and Dad.
Fix It:
While you can’t change your genetics, you can stay ahead of the problem with proper nail trimming and shoe choices. If you constantly get ingrown nails, you might need to see a podiatrist for a long-term solution, like a minor procedure to prevent the nail from growing into the skin again.
4. Trauma: Stubbing, Jamming, and Repeated Pressure
Ever drop something heavy on your toe? Or maybe you’re an athlete who’s constantly stopping, cutting, and pivoting? Repeated impact can push the nail into the skin, leading to an ingrown toenail over time.
Fix It:
If you play sports that involve sudden stops and jamming in the toebox of your shoe AND tight footwear (think soccer, basketball, or running), pay attention to your nail health. Keep your nails properly trimmed and consider taping them if you notice issues popping up repeatedly.
5. Sweaty Feet and Swelling
If your feet sweat a lot or swell throughout the day from work or exercize , your skin can get softer and more prone to irritation. This makes it easier for the nail to push into the surrounding skin, especially if you’re already dealing with tight shoes or a bad trimming job.
Fix It:
If you have sweaty feet, try moisture-wicking socks and antifungal powders to keep things dry. If swelling is an issue, consider compression socks or elevating your feet after long days of standing or activity.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your ingrown toenail is constantly painful, or keeps coming back no matter what you do, it’s time to see a podiatrist. A simple in-office procedure can remove the problem for good.
Bottom Line:
Ingrown toenails aren’t just bad luck—there’s almost always a reason behind them. Whether it’s your shoes, your trimming habits, or even your genetics, knowing the cause is the first step to stopping the cycle. Take care of your feet, and they’ll take care of you!