Common cause for ingrown nails

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common — and most preventable — foot complaints we treat at Family Foot & Leg Center. An ingrown nail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it, causing pain, redness, swelling and, often, infection. Understanding what causes them is the first step to keeping them from coming back.

The Most Common Causes

• Cutting nails too short or rounded: Trimming down the corners encourages the skin to fold over the nail and the nail to grow into it. Always cut straight across.
• Tight shoes and socks: Narrow toe boxes and hosiery that crowd the toes press the nail borders into the skin.
• Heredity: A curved or wide nail shape is frequently passed down — if your parents had ingrown nails, you are more likely to get them too.
• Trauma: Stubbing a toe, dropping something on it, or repetitive pressure from running and sports can change how the nail grows.
• “Bathroom surgery”: Digging the nail border out at home often makes the problem worse and introduces infection.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Trim nails straight across and no shorter than the tip of the toe, wear shoes with room in the toe box, keep your feet clean and dry, and avoid picking at the nail borders. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, never attempt to treat an ingrown nail yourself — a small problem can escalate quickly.

When to See a Podiatrist

See a foot and ankle specialist if the toe is red, warm, draining, or painful, if the same nail border keeps getting ingrown, or if you have diabetes or neuropathy. A quick in-office procedure can permanently remove the offending nail border so the problem does not return — often without the need for oral antibiotics. Watch Dr. Lam explain the most common cause of ingrown nails below.