An ingrown toenail may keep coming back because the nail continues growing into the surrounding skin. Trimming away the painful corner can bring temporary relief, but it doesn’t change the shape or growth pattern. Curved nails, improper trimming, tight shoes, repeated toe injuries, and treatment that doesn’t address the nail root can all contribute to recurrence. Professional ingrown toenail treatment can help interrupt this frustrating cycle.
With offices in The Woodlands and Magnolia, TX, Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists has provided care for recurring toenail problems and other foot concerns since 2003. Dr. D. Sean Sweeney is certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery, while Dr. Christy Leahey is certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Your Natural Nail Shape Might Play a Role
Some toenails naturally grow with a pronounced curve. As the nail extends, its edges may press downward and enter the nearby skin rather than growing straight forward.
This tendency can run in families. You might also have thick nails or fleshy skin around the nail borders, both of which can increase the likelihood of recurring irritation.
You May Be Cutting the Nail Too Short
Rounding the corners or cutting deeply along the sides can leave the nail edge beneath the surrounding skin, allowing it to grow into the tissue. As the nail grows back, its edge may become trapped beneath that skin.
Try to trim your toenails straight across, leaving them long enough that the corners remain visible. Don’t tear, peel, or dig out the sides.
Your Shoes Might Keep Pressing on the Toe
Shoes with a narrow toe box squeeze the toes together and place pressure against the nail borders. Running, kicking sports, and other activities involving repetitive impact can add further irritation.
A roomier toe box gives your toes space to move without pressing the skin against the nail. Your shoes should also be long enough that your toenails don’t repeatedly strike the front.
Removing the Corner May Not Address the Source
Home care or a basic nail trimming often removes only the portion you can see. The nail root beneath the skin may continue producing the same problematic edge.
For a recurring ingrown toenail, treatment might involve numbing the toe, removing the affected nail border, and treating the corresponding portion of the root.
When Should You Seek Podiatric Care?
Pain, redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or pus may signal that the nail is irritating the skin or has become infected. Don’t attempt to cut into an inflamed toe yourself, particularly when you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in your feet.
Contact a Podiatrist Today
Recurring toe pain doesn’t have to become part of your routine. You can contact Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists to arrange an evaluation with Dr. Sweeney or Dr. Leahey. Reach The Woodlands office at (281) 292-4944 or the Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956.