- happen when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin
- Improper trimming and tight shoes are the most common causes
- Home treatment works for mild cases, but infection requires professional care
- A simple in-office procedure can provide permanent relief
What Is an ?
An occurs when the edge or corner of your toenail grows into the soft skin beside it. This creates pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, the area can become infected.
The big toe is most commonly affected, though any toenail can become ingrown. This is one of the most frequent foot problems we treat at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute—and for good reason. It's painful, it's common, and it doesn't get better on its own.
What Causes ?
Improper Nail Trimming
The number one cause we see is cutting toenails incorrectly. Many people round the corners of their nails or cut them too short. This encourages the nail to grow into the skin as it regrows.
The right way: Cut nails straight across, leaving them slightly longer than the tip of your toe. Don't curve the edges.Tight or Narrow Shoes
Shoes that squeeze your toes push the skin against the nail edge. Over time, this pressure can cause the nail to embed into the skin. High heels and pointed-toe shoes are common culprits.
Injury or Trauma
Stubbing your toe, dropping something on it, or repetitive pressure (like kicking a soccer ball) can damage the nail and cause it to grow abnormally.
Genetics
Some people inherit nails that are more curved than normal. These naturally curved nails are more likely to become ingrown—even with proper care.
Fungal Infections
can thicken and distort the nail, making it more likely to grow into the surrounding skin.
Symptoms: How Do You Know It's Ingrown?
Early signs of an include:
- Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
- Redness around the nail edge
- Swelling of the skin next to the nail
- Feeling like your shoes are pressing on the area
As the condition worsens, you may notice:
- Increased pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes
- Pus or drainage (sign of infection)
- Bleeding
- Skin growing over the nail edge
- A bad smell (in severe infections)
When Can You Treat It at Home?
Mild cases—where you have some redness and tenderness but no signs of infection—may respond to home care:
Soak Your Foot
Soak the affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily. This softens the skin and reduces swelling.
Keep It Clean and Dry
After soaking, dry your foot thoroughly. Apply antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
Wear Proper Footwear
Choose shoes with plenty of toe room. Sandals or open-toed shoes allow the area to heal without pressure.
Don't Dig at the Nail
Avoid the temptation to dig out the ingrown portion yourself. This often makes things worse and increases infection risk.
Try a Small Cotton Wedge
Some people find relief by gently placing a tiny piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail edge. This can help lift the nail away from the skin as it grows. Change the cotton daily.
When to See a Podiatrist
Home treatment has its limits. See a foot doctor if:
- You have diabetes or poor circulation. These conditions increase your risk of serious complications. Don't try to treat yourself.
- Signs of infection appear. Pus, increased redness spreading beyond the nail area, fever, or worsening pain all indicate infection.
- Home care isn't helping. If symptoms don't improve within a few days, professional treatment is needed.
- The problem keeps coming back. Recurring may need a permanent solution.
Professional Treatment Options
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we offer several treatments depending on the severity of your .
Lifting the Nail
For mild , we may gently lift the nail edge and place a splint or cotton beneath it. This helps the nail grow above the skin edge rather than into it.
Partial Nail Removal
For more severe or infected , we remove the portion of nail that's digging into your skin. This is done in the office with local anesthesia—you won't feel pain during the procedure.
The area typically heals within a few weeks. You'll be able to walk immediately after, though we recommend taking it easy for a day or two.
Permanent Nail Removal (Matrixectomy)
For chronic that keep returning, we may recommend removing the nail edge permanently. During this procedure, we remove the ingrown portion and apply a chemical to the nail matrix (the area where the nail grows from). This prevents that section from regrowing.
This is a highly effective solution—the recurrence rate is less than 5%. The toe heals fully within a few weeks, and the nail looks normal to most observers.
Prevention: How to Stop Before They Start
Trim Nails Correctly
Cut your toenails straight across. Don't round the corners or cut them too short. The nail edge should be visible above the skin.
Choose Proper Footwear
Wear shoes that give your toes room to move. Avoid narrow, pointed shoes for everyday wear. If you must wear dress shoes, limit the time spent in them.
Protect Your Feet
If you play sports or work in an environment where foot injuries are possible, wear protective footwear. Steel-toed boots and proper athletic shoes can prevent trauma-related s.
Address Foot Conditions
If you have , , , or other conditions that affect your feet, get them treated. These issues can change how pressure is distributed across your toes.
Check Your Feet Regularly
Make foot checks part of your routine—especially if you have diabetes. Catching an early means easier treatment.
and Diabetes
If you have diabetes, require special attention. Reduced circulation and nerve damage mean:
- You may not feel how serious the problem is
- Wounds heal more slowly
- Infections can become severe quickly
Get Relief Today
are painful, but they don't have to be permanent. With proper treatment, most patients find relief quickly—often the same day they visit our office.
Don't let an slow you down. Schedule an appointment at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute. With locations across the Orlando area, expert care is closer than you think.📞 Call us today or book online to get started.