If you’ve ever dealt with a painful, swollen toe — especially around the big toenail — you’re not alone. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail issues we see in podiatry. They occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, leading to irritation, inflammation, and sometimes infection.
Why do they happen?
One of the biggest contributors is simply how we trim our nails. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can allow the nail to “grow inward” as it grows out. Tight shoes, repetitive pressure from sports, trauma (like stubbing a toe), excess sweating, and certain foot shapes (like bunions or hammertoes) may also increase the risk. Teens and young adults tend to experience ingrown toenails more often — but anyone can develop them.
Early treatment is important because untreated ingrown nails can progress from irritation to infection — making walking extremely uncomfortable.
What helps?
For mild cases, warm soaks, gentle cleansing, and proper nail care can ease discomfort. In some cases, topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory cream may be recommended. But if the toe is very painful, infected, or keeps coming back, a small in-office procedure — such as removing a tiny portion of the nail and preventing that edge from growing back — may offer long-term relief.
You can read more about in-grown toenail issues HERE.
If you have recurring pain, don’t wait. Barrett Foot & Leg Specialists can evaluate your toe, provide treatment options, and help prevent the problem from returning.