03/05/2026
Most people don’t think much about their toenails… until one starts hurting.
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight out. That’s what causes the redness, swelling, and that “why does this hurt so much?” tenderness.
A lot of times, it’s not just one thing that causes it. It can be trimming nails too short, rounding the edges, wearing tight shoes, repetitive pressure, or even just your natural nail shape. Usually it’s a combination.
The good news? Small changes can help prevent them:
→ Trim straight across
→ Don’t cut them too close
→ Make sure your shoes have enough toe room
→ Pay attention to early tenderness
But if pain keeps coming back, gets worse, or starts looking infected, that’s when an evaluation really matters. Repeated ingrowns often mean there’s something underlying that needs to be addressed, not just trimmed again.
Treatment in the office is typically quick and focused on relief. Most patients tell us they wish they hadn’t waited so long.
If you’re dealing with toe pain, book an appointment using the link in the comments. Getting clarity early can prevent a bigger issue later.
What’s the worst toe pain you’ve ever tried to “wait out”?