Ingrown toenails are a common yet painful condition where the corner or side of the nail is growing into the flesh surrounding the toe. Since the condition is very common causes for the condition will be common practices that can also be prevented. 

Here are the most common reasons for an ingrown toenail to develop 

• Ill-fitting shoes or heels that are too tight, making the toes be squeezed by the surrounding walls of the shoe. Pressure applied to the toes cause the nails to grow in an abnormal direction 
• Not cutting the nails straight, and instead rounded, which allows the corners of the nails to dig into the skin when growing out 
• Fungal infections that cause the nail to widen or thicken as it grows outward 
• Trauma and injury to the nail as a result of a sport or incident. Check out our blog to learn more about how sports play to increase your risk of developing an ingrown toenail here
• Children with parents who have an ingrown toenail are more likely to have an ingrown as well because of passed genes that affect the direction or shape the nail grows or by the bone of the finger or toe, which might be shaped “upturned”

If you have an ingrown toenail, contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our podiatrists.