What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are a common yet often misunderstood foot condition that affects people of all ages. When the edge of a toenail grows sideways or downward into the surrounding skin, the area becomes irritated, swollen, and painful. In many cases, the discomfort can escalate quickly, making simple activities like walking or wearing shoes difficult. To prevent this, it’s helpful to understand exactly what causes ingrown toenails and why some people experience them more frequently than others.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
1. Incorrect Nail Trimming
One of the leading causes is trimming the nails too short or rounding the edges too deeply. When nails are cut this way, they often grow back with a sharper edge that can press into the skin. This disrupts the nail’s natural growth pattern, making ingrowth more likely.
2. Tight or Narrow Footwear
Wearing shoes that squeeze the front of the foot or push the toes together consistently puts pressure on the nail edges. Over time, this pressure encourages the nail to curve inward, especially in the big toe.
3. Foot Trauma or Repetitive Stress
Stubbing your toe, dropping something on it, or engaging in sports that involve constant toe pressure — such as football, dancing, or running — can alter the way the nail grows. Even small repeated impacts can lead to inflammation around the nail fold
4. Natural Nail Shape
Some people naturally have more curved, “pincer-shaped,” or thicker toenails. This nail structure makes it easier for the nail edges to turn inward, regardless of footwear or trimming habits.
5. Excessive Moisture or Sweating
Sweaty or damp feet soften the skin around the nail, making it easier for the nail edge to break through. People who wear closed shoes for long hours or have hyperhidrosis often experience this.
6. Poor Hygiene or Ignoring Early Symptoms
Minor redness or swelling around the nail often goes unnoticed or untreated. Poor hygiene can add bacteria to the irritated skin, worsening the ingrown nail.
What Studies Say About Ingrown Toenails
Several medical studies have shed light on why some people are more prone to ingrown toenails:
A clinical study published in 2020 found that adolescents and young adults experience ingrown toenails more often due to softer skin, increased sweating, and sports-related pressure.
A foot health study on diabetic patients reported that about 13% of participants developed ingrown toenails due to reduced sensation, slower healing, and repeated micro-trauma.
Research also shows that genetic nail curvature and improper nail trimming are two of the strongest predictors of recurring ingrown toenails.
Another study noted that individuals with “pincer nails” — nails that curve more dramatically — were significantly more likely to experience chronic ingrowth.
These insights highlight that ingrown toenails are not just caused by habits — they can be influenced by anatomy, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails usually stem from simple, everyday factors such as trimming nails too short, wearing tight shoes, or placing repeated pressure on the toes. Knowing these causes helps you take preventive steps early and avoid the discomfort and complications they can bring.
Professional Foot Care Support in Your Area
If you’re dealing with ongoing foot pain or recurring ingrown toenails in Sydney, the team at Podhills Podiatry is here to help with specialised podiatric care. From gentle treatments to preventative guidance, they support patients across the region with tailored foot-health solutions. If you're in Sydney or nearby suburbs, reach out to Podhills Podiatry for professional assessment and effective treatment options.