What starts as a slight pressure near your toenail can quickly turn into something much more uncomfortable. Maybe your favorite pair of shoes suddenly feels tight, or the side of your toe looks red and puffy. While it might seem minor, this could be the beginning of an ingrown toenail—a condition that, if not addressed early, can lead to persistent pain and infection.

Many people brush off the warning signs, hoping they’ll go away. But the truth is, ignoring an ingrown toenail can cause complications that affect more than just your foot.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail develops when the nail’s edge grows sideways into the surrounding skin rather than upward and outward. This is most common on the big toe. At first, you may notice mild soreness or swelling. But once the nail pierces the skin, it becomes an easy entry point for bacteria—especially in warm, damp environments like shoes.

If left untreated, this small issue can progress into a painful infection, complete with redness, pus, and throbbing discomfort.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

There are a variety of reasons why toenails might grow improperly:

• Poor Trimming Habits: Cutting your nails too short or curving the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
  
  
• Tight or Narrow Shoes: Footwear that squeezes your toes puts pressure on the nails, often pushing them inward.
  
  
• Foot Injuries: Bumping your toe or repeated stress from sports can disrupt normal nail growth.
  
  
• Genetics: Some people are born with naturally curved or thick toenails that are more likely to become ingrown.
  
  
• Moisture and Sweat: Constantly damp skin becomes soft, allowing the nail edge to more easily penetrate the skin.
  
  

Why Quick Treatment Matters

Trying to “tough it out” may seem harmless, but it often leads to bigger problems. Here's why prompt care is important:

• Infection Can Set In Fast: Once the skin breaks, bacteria can quickly cause infection—often marked by swelling, discharge, and heat.
  
  
• Daily Life Becomes Painful: Walking, exercising, or simply wearing shoes becomes difficult, leading to compensations that can strain your joints.
  
  
• Recurring Issues or Permanent Changes: Chronic inflammation can deform the nail or cause long-term problems that may require surgical correction.
  
  
• Risks for High-Risk Patients: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, even small wounds like an ingrown toenail can escalate into serious health issues.
  
  

Common Misconceptions About Ingrown Toenails

With so much DIY advice out there, it’s easy to fall for myths. Let’s set the record straight:

• "It’ll get better on its own."
  In most cases, it won’t. Waiting often leads to infection or worsening pain.
  
  
• "Just soak it—it’ll go away."
  Soaking may reduce inflammation temporarily, but it won’t fix the root cause.
  
  
• "Only people with bad hygiene get them."
  Anyone can develop ingrown toenails, regardless of how clean their feet are.
  
  
• "Cutting a V shape in the nail helps it grow correctly."
  There's no medical basis for this method, and it may actually weaken the nail structure.
  
  

When to See a Podiatrist

Not every sore toe needs a doctor, but certain signs mean it’s time to seek professional help:

• The pain persists for more than a few days
  
  
• You see signs of infection—pus, warmth, or redness
  
  
• Home treatments haven’t worked
  
  
• You keep getting ingrown toenails
  
  
• You have underlying health conditions like diabetes or vascular issues
  
  

At United Foot Ankle Surgeons, we offer both conservative and advanced treatments to relieve pain and prevent future occurrences. Dr. Taejun Ahn may gently lift the nail, remove the ingrown section, or perform a simple in-office procedure to stop it from growing inward again.

Small Nail, Big Impact

Foot pain doesn’t stay isolated. Changing your gait to avoid toe pain can lead to stress in your knees, hips, and back. That’s why it’s important not to ignore early signs of an ingrown toenail—it’s not just about comfort; it’s about your whole-body health.

Tips for Preventing Ingrown Toenails

With a few simple habits, you can greatly reduce your risk:

• Trim Nails the Right Way: Straight across—never too short or curved.
  
  
• Choose Comfortable Footwear: Make sure there’s room in the toe box.
  
  
• Keep Feet Dry: Moisture weakens skin and encourages bacterial growth.
  
  
• Protect Your Toes: Wear appropriate footwear during sports or labor-intensive work.
  
  
• Address Recurring Issues: Frequent ingrown nails may need long-term medical solutions.
  
  

Don’t Wait—Take the First Step Toward Relief

An ingrown toenail might seem minor at first, but left alone, it can lead to far more than foot pain. Acting early means easier treatment and quicker recovery.

At United Foot Ankle Surgeons, our team is here to help you return to your daily activities without discomfort. Whether this is your first experience or a recurring issue, we provide expert care you can trust.

Book your appointment today at unitedfootsurgeons.com and take a step toward healthy, pain-free feet.