5 Reasons Why Ingrown Toenails Happen (And How to Prevent Them)

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist. They can cause pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection, which makes walking uncomfortable. While some ingrown toenails are mild, others can become chronic and keep coming back without proper treatment.

The good news is that many ingrown toenails are preventable once you understand what causes them.

I’m Dr. Sondema Tarr, a board-certified podiatrist in Tempe, Arizona, and in this article, I’ll explain five of the most common reasons why ingrown toenails happen and what you can do to help prevent them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BRIx47Igs8

Click the link to watch board-certified Phoenix podiatrist, Dr. Tarr explain the top 5 causes of ingrown toenails

1. Cutting Toenails Too Short

One of the biggest causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail trimming. Many people cut their toenails too short or round the corners deeply, which can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin as it grows back.

To help prevent ingrown toenails:

• Trim toenails straight across

• Avoid digging into the corners

• Do not cut nails extremely short

• Use clean nail clippers

If you get regular pedicures, make sure your nail technician avoids aggressively rounding the corners of your toenails.

2. Wearing Tight Shoes

Shoes that squeeze the toes can place constant pressure on the nail borders. Over time, this pressure may push the nail into the skin and trigger inflammation or pain.

This is especially common with:

• Narrow dress shoes

• Tight athletic shoes

• High heels

• Shoes with a tight toe box

If your toes feel cramped or compressed, your shoes may be contributing to recurring ingrown toenails.

Look for shoes that provide:

• Adequate toe room

• Proper width

• Good support without compression

3. Naturally Curved Nails and Genetics

A patient using Onyfix Nail Correction system to slowly correct her ingrown overtime without surgery

Some people are simply more prone to ingrown toenails because of their nail shape. Curved or “involuted” nails naturally press into the skin more easily as they grow.

If other family members struggle with ingrown toenails, genetics may play a role in your condition as well.

Even with excellent nail care habits, patients with very curved nails may still experience recurring problems over time.

4. Sports Injuries and Toe Trauma

Repeated trauma to the toenails can change the way the nail grows.

This may happen after:

• Stubbing your toe

• Dropping something on your foot

• Running or hiking long distances

• Sports that place pressure on the toes

Athletes and active individuals may develop chronic irritation around the nail borders, especially if footwear is too tight during activity.

Protective footwear and proper shoe fit can help reduce repetitive trauma to the toenails.

5. Poor Nail Care Habits

Allowing toenails to grow excessively long or picking at the skin around the nails can increase irritation and inflammation.

Good nail care habits include:

• Regular nail trimming

• Avoid picking or tearing skin

• Keeping feet clean and dry

• Monitoring for redness or swelling

Small issues can become more painful if left untreated for too long.

When to See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail

Some ingrown toenails improve with conservative care, but others require professional treatment.

You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you experience:

• Persistent pain

• Redness or swelling

• Drainage or infection

• Difficulty walking comfortably

• Recurrent ingrown toenails

• Diabetes or poor circulation

Recurring ingrown toenails often continue to come back without addressing the underlying nail border problem.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona

At Direct Podiatry AZ, we provide personalized treatment options for painful and recurring ingrown toenails in Tempe and the greater Phoenix area. Treatment may include conservative care, Onyfix nail correction, or minimally invasive ingrown toenail procedures depending on your condition.

Schedule a consultation here.

Final Thoughts

Ingrown toenails can happen for many different reasons, including improper nail trimming, tight shoes, genetics, trauma, and poor nail care habits. Understanding the cause is the first step toward preventing future problems.

If you live in Phoenix, Tempe, or the surrounding Arizona area and need help with recurring ingrown toenails, professional treatment can help relieve pain and reduce the chances of the problem returning.