Ingrown toenails can be a persistent and painful issue, often returning despite your best efforts to manage them. If you find yourself dealing with recurring ingrown toenails, understanding the underlying causes and how to address them is crucial for long-term relief. In this blog, Syracuse Podiatry explores why ingrown toenails keep coming back and offers practical solutions to prevent their recurrence.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. This condition can become chronic if the underlying causes are not addressed. Here are the primary reasons why ingrown toenails may keep recurring:

1–Improper Nail Trimming

1. 1. Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
   2. To prevent this, trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
   3. Using a nail file to smooth rough edges can also help prevent the nail from digging into the skin.

2–Poor Footwear Choices

1. 1. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes can contribute to ingrown toenails.
   2. Shoes that put pressure on your toes or force them into an unnatural position can cause the nails to grow improperly.

3–Genetic Factors

1. 1. If you have a family history of this condition, you may be more prone to experiencing recurring ingrown toenails.
   2. While you can’t change your genetics, you can take proactive steps to manage the condition and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

4–Trauma or Injury

1. 1. Injuries to the toenail, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
   2. Repeated trauma or pressure on the toenail can lead to chronic ingrown toenails.

5–Underlying Health Conditions

1. 1. Certain health conditions, such as fungal infections or diabetes, can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
   2. If you have an underlying health issue, addressing it with the help of a healthcare professional can reduce the likelihood of recurrent ingrown toenails.

By understanding the causes of recurring ingrown toenails and implementing preventative measures, you can manage and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. If problems persist, come see the experts at Syracuse Podiatry! Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can help your feet feel their best.