What are the Real Causes of Ingrown Toenails? Explaining Risks and Early Symptoms

Why Do Ingrown Toenails Occur? Main Causes

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of the nail curve inward and dig into the surrounding skin. There are five main causes:

1. Incorrect Nail Trimming (Deep Cutting): This is the most common cause. Cutting the corners of the nail too short prevents the nail from growing forward normally, causing it to curl into the skin.
2. Wearing Tight Shoes: Narrow pumps or small shoes apply constant pressure to the sides of the toes, encouraging the nail to deform.
3. Walking Habits and Lack of Exercise: Nails naturally tend to curve inward. Walking provides upward pressure that keeps the nail flat. This is why bedridden individuals often develop ingrown toenails.
4. Rapid Weight Gain: Increased pressure on the toes compresses the skin around the nail.
5. Dryness: When nails are dry, they lose flexibility and tend to shrink and curl.

What Happens if Left Untreated? Three Major Risks

It is dangerous to ignore ingrown toenails.

• Severe Pain and Infection: Paronychia (an infection around the nail) can make walking and wearing shoes extremely painful.
• Poor Posture and Back Pain: Compensating for the pain while walking disrupts balance, leading to knee and back issues.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Reduced strength in the toes increases the risk of falling, especially for the elderly.

Early detection and care are the first steps to a pain-free life.