Ingrown Toenails

𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

Causes of ingrown toenails include:

• 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐲. In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is inherited.

• 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚. Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running.

• 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short. This encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail.

• 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫. Ingrown toenails can result from wearing socks and shoes that are tight or short.

• 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. Ingrown toenails can be caused by nail problems, such as fungal infections or losing a nail due to trauma.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬

Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by:

• 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠. Cut toenails in a straight line and do not cut them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of the nail.

• 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬. Do not wear shoes that are short or tight in the toe area. Avoid shoes that are loose because they too cause pressure on the toes, especially when running or walking briskly.

– American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons