An ingrown toenail can start as a tiny annoyance and turn into a painful, swollen mess faster than you’d expect. If you’ve ever felt that sharp sting on the side of your toe when you walk, or noticed redness and puffiness that keeps coming back, you already know how much it can mess with your day.
The good news is most ingrown toenails are preventable with a few simple habits and the right shoes. And when they’re not, getting proper treatment early can save you a lot of grief.
Summary: Preventing ingrown toenails comes down to three things: wearing shoes that don’t squash your toes, keeping nails and feet clean and dry, and trimming nails the right way. This guide covers practical prevention tips, common causes (including sport, tight footwear and nail shape), and the clear signs it’s time to see a podiatrist. If your toe is painful, swollen, infected, or the problem keeps returning, Foot HQ can treat it quickly and safely so you can get back to walking pain-free.
What actually causes ingrown toenails?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. That skin gets irritated, then inflamed, and sometimes infected.
Common triggers include:
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Shoes that squeeze the toes, especially narrow work shoes or fashion shoes
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Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners
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Picking or tearing nails instead of trimming properly
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Sweaty feet that soften the skin around the nail
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Toe injuries (stubbing, dropping something on the toe, repeated impact in sport)
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Genetics, like naturally curved nails or wider toes
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High activity, especially running, footy, netball, hiking and anything with lots of stopping and starting
If you keep getting ingrown toenails on the same toe, it’s usually a mix of nail shape, footwear pressure and how the nail is being trimmed.
Footwear tips to prevent ingrown toenails
Your shoes are often the biggest factor. Even if you do everything else right, tight shoes can keep pushing the nail edge into the skin.
Look for a roomy toe box
The “toe box” is the front part of the shoe. You want space for your toes to sit naturally, not squeezed together.
A simple test: if you can feel the shoe pressing on the sides of your big toe, it’s probably too narrow.
Make sure the shoe length is right
Toes sliding forward and hitting the front of the shoe is a big ingrown toenail trigger, especially downhill walking or running.
Aim for about a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Choose the right socks
Socks won’t fix a bad shoe, but they can help reduce friction and moisture:
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Go for breathable, moisture-wicking socks if your feet sweat a lot
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Avoid socks that bunch up and rub your toes
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If you’re in work boots all day, change socks halfway through the day if possible
Replace worn-out shoes
Old shoes can collapse around the toe box or change how your foot sits, increasing pressure on the big toe. If the shoe has lost its shape, it’s not doing you any favours.
Hygiene that actually helps (without overdoing it)
Foot hygiene isn’t complicated, but consistency matters.
Keep feet clean and properly dry
Wash daily, then dry carefully, especially between the toes. Damp skin is softer and easier for the nail edge to dig into.
Manage sweat
If your feet sweat heavily:
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Rotate shoes so they fully dry between wears
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Use a foot antiperspirant if recommended
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Consider breathable shoes where you can
Don’t pick at nails
It’s tempting, but picking creates jagged edges that catch and dig into the skin. If a nail edge is bothering you, trim it properly, don’t tear it.
The right way to trim toenails to prevent ingrown nails
Most people accidentally set themselves up for ingrown toenails by rounding the corners.
Here’s the safer approach:
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Trim straight across, not curved
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Don’t cut too short, leave the nail level with the tip of the toe
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Smooth sharp edges with a file instead of cutting deeper at the corners
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Use proper nail clippers, not tiny scissors or random tools
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Trim after a shower if nails are very hard, but dry the toe well afterwards
If your nails are thick, curved, hard to reach, or painful to cut, it’s worth having a podiatrist manage them. It’s safer and you’re far less likely to trigger a flare-up.
When an ingrown toenail needs a specialist
Some ingrown toenails settle with early care, but plenty don’t. The key is knowing when to stop DIY attempts.
See a podiatrist if you notice:
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Increasing pain, swelling or redness
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Pus, drainage, or a bad smell (signs of infection)
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A growing lump of red tissue on the side of the nail
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The nail keeps becoming ingrown in the same spot
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You can’t wear closed shoes comfortably
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You’ve tried home care and it’s not improving within a few days
Don’t wait if you have diabetes or poor circulation
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, nerve issues, or a compromised immune system, even a small toe infection can become serious quickly. In that case, it’s best to get professional help early rather than “seeing how it goes”.
What not to do at home (even if someone swears by it)
A few common “fixes” can make things worse:
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Digging down the side of the nail with scissors or tweezers
This often leaves a sharp spike that grows in deeper. -
Cutting a V shape into the nail
It doesn’t change how the nail grows, but it can weaken the nail. -
Repeatedly soaking without drying well after
Too much moisture can soften the skin and increase irritation. -
Ignoring infection signs
If it’s oozing or getting hotter and more painful, it needs proper care.
How Foot HQ can help with ingrown toenails
If an ingrown toenail is sore, infected, or keeps returning, it’s not something you should have to push through. At Foot HQ, podiatrists treat ingrown toenails safely and professionally, with a focus on fast relief and preventing the problem from coming back.
Depending on what’s going on, treatment may involve:
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Gentle removal of the painful nail edge and inflamed debris
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Managing infection risk and reducing swelling
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Advice on footwear and nail care to prevent recurrence
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Long-term options for recurring ingrown toenails (where appropriate)
Book in with a qualified podiatrist and get back to walking comfortably as soon as possible.
Key takeaways
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Most ingrown toenails are caused by tight shoes, incorrect trimming, sweat, or repeated toe pressure from sport.
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Choose shoes with a roomy toe box and enough length to stop toe jamming.
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Trim nails straight across, don’t cut too short, and avoid digging into corners.
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Pain, swelling, pus, or repeat ingrown toenails are strong signs you should see a podiatrist.
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If you have diabetes or circulation issues, don’t delay. Get assessed early.
FAQ
How do I know if my ingrown toenail is infected?
Look for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, pus or drainage, and sometimes a bad smell. If you notice these, it’s time to see a podiatrist.
Can I prevent ingrown toenails just by trimming better?
Better trimming helps a lot, but footwear matters just as much. If your shoes squeeze your toes, the nail edge can still be pushed into the skin.
Are ingrown toenails more common in runners?
Yes. Running and sports with sudden stops can push the toe into the shoe repeatedly, which increases pressure around the nail. Good shoe fit and correct nail trimming make a big difference.
Will an ingrown toenail keep coming back?
It can, especially if your nail is naturally curved or your footwear keeps applying pressure. A podiatrist can help reduce recurrence and talk through longer-term options if it’s a repeat issue.
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