Why Your Ingrown Toenails Keep Coming Back

Ingrown toenails aren’t just painful; they can be frustrating when they keep coming back. Many people believe once they treat an ingrown nail, the problem is solved. However, if you don’t understand why they develop in the first place, you may find yourself dealing with the same issue repeatedly. 

Dr. Eric Gilbertson, DPM, FACFAS, a double-board-certified podiatrist at Renew Foot & Ankle, LLC, in Grand Rapids and Bigfork, Minnesota, explores some of the common reasons your ingrown toenails might keep recurring and what you can do about it.

Improper nail trimming

One of the leading causes of recurring ingrown toenails is improper nail trimming. When toenails are cut too short or rounded at the edges, they are more likely to grow into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and eventually leading to an ingrown nail. 

If you cut your nails in a rush or shape them with too much of a curve, you’re setting yourself up for a painful cycle.

How to avoid it

Always trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. The nail edges should sit comfortably above the skin without digging into it.

Ill-fitting shoes

Your choice of footwear can also play a significant role in why your ingrown toenails keep coming back. Shoes that are too tight or narrow at the front can squeeze your toes together, causing the nails to grow abnormally into the skin. High heels can also exacerbate this issue by putting excess pressure on the toes.

What you can do

Opt for shoes with a wide toe box, allowing your toes to spread naturally. If high heels are a must, try to limit how often you wear them or choose lower heels to reduce pressure.

Genetics

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are with nail care and footwear, you may still struggle with recurring ingrown toenails. Unfortunately, genetics can play a role. You may have inherited the tendency if your family members frequently suffer from ingrown toenails.

Certain foot shapes, such as overly curved toenails or larger-than-normal toenail beds, can increase the risk of developing this condition repeatedly.

What you can do

While you can’t change your genetics, regular visits to our office for nail care and advice on preventative measures can help manage the problem.

Nail trauma

An injury to your toenail, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can damage the nail, leading to abnormal growth. A toenail that’s been injured is more likely to grow unevenly or dig into the skin, causing recurring ingrown nails.

How to prevent this

Protect your feet with sturdy shoes when engaging in activities that might put your toes at risk. If you’ve already experienced trauma to a toenail, we can help ensure proper healing and growth.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, can increase the likelihood of chronic ingrown toenails. Diabetes, in particular, affects blood flow and healing, making it more difficult for the nails to grow properly. People with these conditions are more prone to nail problems and infections, leading to repeated ingrown toenails.

Managing your health

Regular foot care is essential if you have a medical condition that affects your feet. When you come in for your appointments, we’ll closely monitor and address any issues before they become problematic.

Take control of your foot health

Recurring ingrown toenails can be painful and frustrating, but with the right care and prevention strategies, you can break the cycle. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable—call the office or schedule an appointment online today.