An Ingrown Toenail: Small Problem, Big Pain—Here’s What You Can Do

An ingrown toenail might seem like a minor nuisance, but anyone who’s had one knows just how painful—and persistent—it can be. Whether it’s making every step uncomfortable or becoming infected and swollen, ingrown toenails can seriously interfere with your daily routine.

The good news? With proper care and expert treatment, relief is well within reach.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This typically affects the big toe, but it can happen on any toe. It may start as a bit of redness or tenderness, but if left untreated, it can lead to significant pain, swelling, and even infection.

Common signs of an ingrown toenail include:

Pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
Redness or swelling around the nail
Drainage of pus or fluid (a sign of infection)
Skin growing over the edge of the nail

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Several everyday habits and conditions can contribute to ingrown toenails, including:

Improper nail trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
Tight footwear: Shoes that crowd the toes or put excessive pressure on them can push nails inward.
Injury: Stubbing your toe or repeated trauma from sports can cause nail damage.
Genetics: Some people naturally have curved or thick toenails that are more prone to becoming ingrown.
Poor foot hygiene: Excess moisture and lack of nail care can increase the risk of nail problems.

Home Care—And When It’s Not Enough

At the very first sign of discomfort, simple home care steps may help. Soaking the foot in warm water several times a day can reduce swelling, and gently lifting the edge of the nail with a clean cotton wick might provide some relief. Wearing open-toed shoes or sandals can also ease pressure.

However, if pain increases, the toe becomes red and hot, or there are any signs of infection, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Home remedies often aren’t enough once an ingrown nail becomes advanced.

Professional Treatment That Works

A podiatrist can treat ingrown toenails quickly and safely, often right in the office. Depending on severity, treatment options may include:

Nail trimming and lifting: For mild cases, the nail can be gently lifted or trimmed back to relieve pressure.
Partial nail removal: In more severe or recurring cases, the ingrown portion of the nail may be removed under local anesthesia.
Permanent correction: If ingrown nails keep coming back, a small portion of the nail root may be removed or treated to prevent future growth in that area.

These procedures are quick, virtually painless, and allow most patients to resume normal activity within a day or two.

Don’t Wait—Step Into Relief

An ingrown toenail won’t go away on its own—and the longer you wait, the more painful it can become. Seeing a foot specialist ensures proper healing, prevents infection, and helps you avoid chronic nail issues in the future.

If you’re dealing with stubborn toenail pain, contact your local podiatrist today. It’s a small problem with a simple solution—and your feet will thank you.

About the Author

Dr. Ben Cullen received his training at Kaiser Hayward in Northern California, where he gained extensive exposure to essentially all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. He then moved to San Diego to join the San Diego Podiatry Group, drawn by its impeccable reputation and, of course, the exceptional San Diego weather.

Dr. Cullen has taken every opportunity to go the extra mile in providing superior care to his patients and keeping his training at the forefront of emerging medical technology. He credits his passion and dedication to the field as what makes him an exemplary podiatric physician and surgeon. Above all, he strives to treat people as he would like his own family members to be treated.

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Managing Illness