Understanding Ingrown Nails: Causes, Treatment Options, and Prevention Tips for Optimal Foot Health

What Is an Ingrown Nail?

Let’s start at the root, literally. An ingrown nail, known medically as onychocryptosis, occurs when the side or edge of a toenail grows into the skin next to it. The result? Swelling, pain, and, if ignored, possible infection. It’s most common on the big toe, but it can develop on any toenail.

While it might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, an untreated ingrown nail can become a recurring issue, sometimes even requiring surgery. Understanding what causes it, and how to prevent it, is key to maintaining healthy feet.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

It’s easy to think ingrown nails just happen out of the blue, but they usually develop because of certain habits or underlying conditions. Let’s look at some of the most common culprits:

• Improper Nail Trimming
  One of the biggest mistakes we see is cutting toenails too short or curving the edges. This encourages the nail to dig into the skin as it grows out.
• Tight Footwear
  Shoes that squeeze the toes together, think high heels or snug sneakers, can put constant pressure on the nail bed, increasing your risk.
• Physical Trauma or Repetitive Pressure
  Kicking a hard object, stubbing your toe, or regularly engaging in sports like soccer or running contributes to repeated stress on the nail.
• Curved or Thick Nails
  Some of us have inherited nail shapes that naturally curve inward. This makes it more likely for the nail edge to push into the surrounding skin.
• Medical Conditions
  People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or neuropathy have a higher risk, both of developing ingrown nails and of complications once they occur.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

An ingrown nail doesn’t usually hide its presence. It lets you know it’s there, loud and clear.

If you experience the following, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with one:

• Pain or tenderness along the nail’s edge (especially when walking or wearing shoes)
• Redness or swelling around the toe
• Thickened skin or fluid buildup
• In advanced cases, a yellow or green discharge (indicating infection)

In diabetic patients or individuals with poor circulation, these symptoms warrant immediate attention. What may seem like a small issue can quickly spiral into serious infections or ulcers.

Diagnosing Ingrown Nails: What to Expect

If your toe appears inflamed or infected, a quick trip to the doctor will likely start with a visual examination. We’ll take a detailed health history and inspect the nail’s shape, growth pattern, and surrounding tissue condition.

While imaging or lab cultures aren’t always necessary, they may be recommended if there’s extensive infection, persistent discomfort, or complications suspected beneath the nail.

Treatment Options: From Home Care to Surgery

We always prefer to start conservatively whenever possible. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Home Remedies (for mild cases):

• Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes a few times a day.
• Gently lift the nail edge using dental floss or soft cotton (only if instructed by your provider).
• Avoid tight shoes, and try going barefoot when it’s safe.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and use a protective bandage.

WHEN to See a Doctor:
If pain persists, the area becomes redder, or discharge begins, it’s time to get professional help.

Nonsurgical Medical Treatment:

• Oral or topical antibiotics if infection is present
• Professional trimming and reshaping
• Placing a gutter splint or cotton wick under the nail to allow proper growth

Surgical and Advanced Treatments (for recurring or severe cases):

• Partial Nail Avulsion: Only the ingrown edge is removed under local anesthesia.
• Total Nail Avulsion: The entire nail may be removed in extreme cases.
• Nail Matrix Removal (Matrixectomy): In chronic cases, the nail’s root may be treated to prevent regrowth of the problematic portion.

All surgical treatments at South Florida Multispecialty Hospital are performed under sterile conditions and are typically well-tolerated with minimal downtime.

Prevention Tips: How to Reduce Your Risk

Good news, most ingrown toenails are preventable. It starts with simple, smart habits:

• Cut nails straight across—not too short, and never round the corners.
• Use disinfected nail clippers and avoid sharing grooming tools.
• Wear breathable shoes that leave room for your toes to move freely.
• Alternate shoes daily, and choose moisture-wicking socks to reduce sweat buildup.
• For athletes or active individuals, choose sports shoes with proper foot support and avoid trauma to the toes.

Special Considerations for Diabetics and Individuals with Vascular Conditions

For diabetic patients or those with poor circulation, ingrown nails are more than a nuisance. They’re a potential gateway to serious complications like cellulitis or even systemic infection.

If you’re in this group, make foot inspections a daily habit. Report any changes, no matter how small, to your provider. At our hospital, we routinely care for individuals with chronic health concerns, offering proactive foot assessments and early treatment protocols.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Sometimes home care isn’t enough. You’ll want to reach out to a healthcare professional if:

• Pain continues for more than a few days
• You notice signs of infection (pus, warmth, worsening redness)
• You have diabetes, vascular disease, or immune disorders
• You’ve experienced repeated ingrown toenails in the same area
• Walking becomes difficult due to discomfort

It’s always better to be safe and have your toe properly evaluated by podiatric specialists.

Final Thoughts: Putting Your Foot Health First

When it comes to foot health, small problems can become large ones if we ignore early warning signs. Ingrown toenails may start as a minor inconvenience, but they can turn into recurring sources of pain and infection if not treated properly.

At South Florida Multispecialty Hospital, we believe everyone deserves to walk, run, and move without pain. Whether you’re managing your first ingrown nail or dealing with a stubborn recurring issue, our team is here to support you with expert care, from accurate diagnosis to advanced treatment options.

Take the step, quite literally, toward healthier feet.

If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, swelling, or signs of an ingrown nail, connect with the experienced specialists at South Florida Multispecialty Hospital today. Early care is the first step to lasting foot health.