What Causes Ingrown Toenails and How Can You Prevent Them?
- posted: Jul. 30, 2025
At AAL Podiatry Associates, serving Norfolk and Suffolk, Virginia, ingrown toenails are one of the more frequent issues patients come to Dr. Jesse Anderson for help with. An ingrown toenail may seem like a small problem, but anyone who’s had one knows how quickly one can make walking, wearing shoes, or even sleeping uncomfortable. The good news is that understanding what causes them makes prevention a lot more straightforward.
Why Ingrown Toenails Happen
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the skin next to it, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Several factors can contribute:
- Improper nail trimming is one of the biggest risks. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to curve inward as it grows.
- Tight-fitting shoes or socks that put constant pressure on the toes can push nails into the surrounding skin.
- Genetics play a role too. Some people naturally have curved nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown.
- Injuries to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, can also set the stage for a nail growing in the wrong direction.
When It Becomes More Than a Minor Annoyance
While mild ingrown toenails might resolve on their own, Dr. Jesse Anderson and the team at AAL Podiatry Associates often see cases in which ignoring the problem leads to bigger issues, persistent pain, redness, drainage, and even infection.
Patients with diabetes or circulation problems need to be especially cautious. What starts as an ingrown toenail can develop into a serious health risk if left untreated.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
The most important thing you can do is trim your nails the right way: straight across, not curved, and without cutting them too short. Shoes matter as well. Opt for footwear that leaves enough room in the toe box to avoid pressure on your nails.
It’s also worth paying attention to nail health in general. If a toenail seems thicker, more brittle, or begins changing shape, get it checked out. Sometimes fungal infections or other conditions can alter nail growth patterns and contribute to ingrown nails.
See a Podiatrist for Help
If an ingrown toenail keeps coming back, appears to be infected, or is painful enough to limit your activities, it’s time for professional care. At AAL Podiatry Associates in Norfolk and Suffolk, Virginia, Dr. Jesse Anderson provides both conservative treatments and minor procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail or, if necessary, prevent it from growing back. To schedule a visit, call our Norfolk office at 757-625-2962 or our Suffolk office at 757-539-2098.
- posted: Jul. 30, 2025
At AAL Podiatry Associates, serving Norfolk and Suffolk, Virginia, ingrown toenails are one of the more frequent issues patients come to Dr. Jesse Anderson for help with. An ingrown toenail may seem like a small problem, but anyone who’s had one knows how quickly one can make walking, wearing shoes, or even sleeping uncomfortable. The good news is that understanding what causes them makes prevention a lot more straightforward.
Why Ingrown Toenails Happen
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the skin next to it, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Several factors can contribute:
- Improper nail trimming is one of the biggest risks. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to curve inward as it grows.
- Tight-fitting shoes or socks that put constant pressure on the toes can push nails into the surrounding skin.
- Genetics play a role too. Some people naturally have curved nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown.
- Injuries to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, can also set the stage for a nail growing in the wrong direction.
When It Becomes More Than a Minor Annoyance
While mild ingrown toenails might resolve on their own, Dr. Jesse Anderson and the team at AAL Podiatry Associates often see cases in which ignoring the problem leads to bigger issues, persistent pain, redness, drainage, and even infection.
Patients with diabetes or circulation problems need to be especially cautious. What starts as an ingrown toenail can develop into a serious health risk if left untreated.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
The most important thing you can do is trim your nails the right way: straight across, not curved, and without cutting them too short. Shoes matter as well. Opt for footwear that leaves enough room in the toe box to avoid pressure on your nails.
It’s also worth paying attention to nail health in general. If a toenail seems thicker, more brittle, or begins changing shape, get it checked out. Sometimes fungal infections or other conditions can alter nail growth patterns and contribute to ingrown nails.
See a Podiatrist for Help
If an ingrown toenail keeps coming back, appears to be infected, or is painful enough to limit your activities, it’s time for professional care. At AAL Podiatry Associates in Norfolk and Suffolk, Virginia, Dr. Jesse Anderson provides both conservative treatments and minor procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail or, if necessary, prevent it from growing back. To schedule a visit, call our Norfolk office at 757-625-2962 or our Suffolk office at 757-539-2098.
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