Tel: 239-430-3668From Nail Trimming to Footwear: The Hidden Causes of Ingrown Toenails
April 12 2025
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common — and often the most painful — foot conditions people 
experience. Whether it starts with a little tenderness along the nail edge or develops into swelling, redness, or even infection, an ingrown toenail can quickly disrupt your daily comfort. But did you know that many cases are entirely preventable?
Understanding the hidden causes of ingrown toenails can help you protect your feet and avoid unnecessary pain. Let’s explore some of the most common risk factors that contribute to this nagging condition.
Improper Nail Trimming
One of the leading causes of ingrown toenails is also one of the easiest to overlook: how you trim your nails. Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow inward into the surrounding skin. This can result in irritation, inflammation, and even infection.
Pro Tip: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too close to the skin. If you’re unsure about the correct technique, especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues, it’s always best to have your nails trimmed by a podiatry professional.
Tight Footwear
Shoes that squeeze or crowd your toes can place continuous pressure on the nail bed, encouraging the nail to grow irregularly and dig into the skin. This is especially common in shoes that are too narrow or those with a pointed toe box.
Pro Tip: Choose shoes that fit well and allow your toes room to move naturally. Remember: style shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort, especially when it comes to your foot health.
Injury or Repetitive Trauma
Whether it’s a stubbed toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or repetitive pressure from sports or work, trauma to your toenails can alter their growth pattern. Damaged nails often become thickened, misshapen, or prone to growing inward, making ingrown toenails more likely.
Pro Tip: If you’ve injured your toe, keep a close eye on the nail for signs of improper growth or infection, and seek medical care if any pain or abnormal changes occur.
Genetics
Sometimes, ingrown toenails are simply part of your genetic blueprint. If your family members are prone to them, you may naturally inherit nail shapes or growth tendencies that increase your risk, regardless of how carefully you trim or which shoes you wear.
Pro Tip: Be proactive! If ingrown toenails run in your family, regular podiatric checkups can help you manage potential problems before they become painful.
Early Care Prevents Bigger Problems
Understanding these common risk factors can help you take simple steps to prevent painful, recurring foot problems. If you’re already dealing with discomfort, it’s important to act quickly — the longer an ingrown toenail goes untreated, the more likely it is to develop infection or require a more involved treatment.
Suffering from an ingrown toenail?
At Family Foot & Leg Center, our expert podiatrists provide fast, gentle relief to get you back on your feet pain-free.
👉 Book your appointment today! Call 239-430-3668 (FOOT)
Your feet deserve expert care — and we’re here to help every step of the way.
📞 Call us (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or schedule your consultation online. Your feet will thank you.
Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling.
