What Causes Recurrent Ingrown Toenails?

If you’ve ever dealt with an ingrown toenail, you know how painful—and frustrating—it can be. What’s even more discouraging is when it keeps coming back, despite home remedies, careful trimming, or even previous treatment.

At Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists, recurrent ingrown toenails are one of the most common conditions we treat. Many patients come to us asking the same question: “Why does this keep happening to me?” The answer is rarely just one thing. In most cases, recurrent ingrown toenails are caused by a combination of anatomy, habits, and external pressures.

Let’s break it down.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This can lead to:

• Pain and tenderness

• Redness and swelling

• Drainage or infection

• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes

When this cycle repeats, it’s a sign that the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed.

The Most Common Causes of Recurrent Ingrown Toenails

1. Improper Nail Trimming

This is one of the biggest contributors we see.

Cutting toenails:

• Too short

• Rounded at the edges

• Or digging into the corners

can encourage the nail to grow inward as it regrows. Over time, this creates a predictable pattern of recurrence.

Doctor tip: Toenails should be trimmed straight across, not curved, and left slightly longer than the skin.

2. Genetic Nail Shape

Some people are simply born with nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown. These nails may be:

• Naturally curved or “pincer-shaped”

• Wider than the nail bed

• Thicker or harder than average

If ingrown toenails run in your family, genetics may be playing a major role.

3. Tight or Ill-Fitting Shoes

Shoes that crowd the toes—especially narrow dress shoes, tight athletic shoes, or high heels—put constant pressure on the nail edges. This pressure forces the nail into the surrounding skin over time.

This is especially common in:

• Athletes

• People who stand all day

• Patients who frequently wear tight footwear for work

4. Repetitive Trauma to the Toe

Even minor, repeated trauma can cause nail growth issues. This includes:

• Running or sports with sudden stops

• Kicking motions (soccer, martial arts)

• Dropping objects on the toe

• Stubbing the toe frequently

Trauma can alter how the nail grows, increasing the risk of chronic ingrown nails.

5. Excessive Sweating or Poor Foot Hygiene

Moisture softens the skin around the nail, making it easier for the nail edge to penetrate. Excess sweating also increases the risk of infection once the nail becomes ingrown.

6. Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain conditions make patients more vulnerable to complications and recurrence, including:

• Diabetes

• Poor circulation

• Weakened immune systems

In these patients, even mild ingrown toenails can worsen quickly and should never be ignored.

Why Home Treatments Often Don’t Work Long-Term

Many patients attempt:

• Soaking the foot

• Lifting the nail with cotton

• Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments

While these methods may reduce symptoms temporarily, they do not correct the way the nail is growing. As a result, the problem often returns—sometimes worse than before.

How We Treat Recurrent Ingrown Toenails at Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists

Our goal isn’t just relief—it’s prevention.

Depending on the severity and frequency, treatment may include:

• Professional nail care and trimming

• Treating infection or inflammation

• Permanent partial nail procedures to prevent regrowth of the problem edge

• Education on footwear and nail care

• Advanced techniques designed to minimize recurrence and downtime

These in-office procedures are safe, effective, and often life-changing for patients who have struggled for years.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should schedule an evaluation if:

• Ingrown toenails keep returning

• There is redness, drainage, or worsening pain

• You have diabetes or circulation issues

• Home care is no longer helping

Early treatment can prevent infection, avoid unnecessary pain, and eliminate repeat episodes.

The Bottom Line

Recurrent ingrown toenails are not just bad luck. They are usually caused by identifiable—and treatable—factors. At Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists, we focus on finding the root cause and providing long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.

If you’re tired of dealing with the same painful problem over and over, we’re here to help you walk comfortably again. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.