Ingrown Toenails 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It can be symptomatic or asymptomatic — meaning some people have pain without infection, while others develop swelling, redness, or pus.
Ingrown toenails can happen at any age, from young children to older adults, but they are especially common in teenagers and young adults.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

1. Sweaty Feet (Very Common in Teenagers)

Moist, soft skin makes it easier for the nail edge to dig in and become irritated.

2. Hypermobility

Flexible joints can cause the toes to roll inward, increasing pressure on the nail edges.

3. Tight Achilles Tendon

A tight Achilles can alter gait and increase pressure at the front of the foot, pushing the nail into the skin.

4. Poor Gait or Foot Posture

If the foot rolls in or out excessively, the nail edges may be overloaded, leading to irritation and ingrowth.

5. Poor Footwear Choices

• Tight shoes

• Narrow toe boxes

• Hard school shoes
  These squeeze the toes and push the nail into the skin.

6. Incorrect Nail Cutting

One of the most common causes.
Problems include:

• Cutting nails too short

• Cutting down the sides

• Leaving sharp corners

• Tearing nails instead of trimming

7. Delayed Nail Trimming

Long nails can curve and press into the skin, especially in active children or adults wearing tight shoes.

Symptoms

• Pain along the nail edge

• Redness or swelling

• Tenderness when wearing shoes

• Clear discharge

• Pus (yellow discharge) if infection develops

• Pain without infection (very common)

• Pain, redness, and swelling (needs attention)

• Overlapping/overgrowing soft tissue (same as photo)

How to Trim Nails Properly

• Follow the natural shape and line of the nail

• Do not cut nails too short

• Avoid digging down the sides

• Use clean, sharp nail clippers

• Smooth sharp corners with a file

Short‑Term Relief at Home (Before Seeing a Podiatrist)

These steps can help reduce discomfort but do not replace professional care:

Warm Salt Water Soak

• Soak the foot in warm water with salt for 10 minutes

• Helps soften the skin, reduce swelling, and ease pain

Gentle Massage

• After soaking, gently massage the skin away from the nail edge

• Helps reduce pressure and encourages drainage if pus is present

Keep the Area Clean and Dry

• Avoid tight shoes

• Wear open‑toed rigid footwear if possible

Why Podiatry Treatment Is Important

Without proper care, an ingrown nail can:

• Become infected

• Develop proud flesh (granulation tissue)

• Cause ongoing pain

• Lead to repeated flare‑ups

• Make walking or sport uncomfortable

A podiatrist can:

• Safely trim or reshape the nail

• Remove the offending nail edge

• Reduce inflammation

• Provide long‑term solutions

• Address underlying causes like gait issues, Achilles tightness, or footwear problems

When to Seek Help

• Persistent pain

• Recurrent ingrown nails

• Pus or signs of infection

• Difficulty trimming nails

• Pain affecting walking or sport