With colder weather on the horizon, many people will soon be trading sandals for sneakers, boots, and other closed-toe shoes. If you have an ingrown toenail, that change can make an already tender toe even more uncomfortable. Added pressure can push the nail edge farther into the surrounding skin, while friction may worsen redness, swelling, and inflammation.
At Podiatry Center of New Jersey, we treat ingrown toenails at locations throughout the state. Knowing how to protect your toe and when to seek treatment can help you stay comfortable as closed-toe shoe season begins.
Why Do Shoes Make Ingrown Toenails Hurt?
An ingrown toenail develops when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. When a closed-toe shoe squeezes the toes together, the shoe places additional pressure on that sensitive area.
Pain may be especially noticeable when wearing:
- Shoes with narrow or pointed toe boxes
- Footwear that is too short
- Tight athletic shoes or cleats
- High heels that push the toes forward
- Thick socks inside an already snug shoe
Last season’s shoes may no longer fit properly if your feet have changed or the footwear has lost its shape. Our blog about whether tight shoes can cause lasting foot problems explains why adequate toe space matters.
What Else Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Footwear is only one possible contributor. Other common causes include:
- Cutting nails too short
- Rounding the nail corners
- Toe injuries
- Naturally curved or wide nails
- Repetitive pressure from sports
- Fungal infections that thicken the nail
Trim toenails straight across rather than curving the corners. Avoid digging beneath the nail or trying to cut out the painful edge yourself. These attempts can injure the skin and introduce bacteria.
When Could the Toenail Be Infected?
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, pus, or throbbing pain may indicate an infection. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should seek professional care promptly because even a small toe wound can become more serious.
Persistent or recurring ingrown toenails may require professional treatment. Depending on the condition, a podiatrist may remove the affected nail edge and, in recurrent cases, treat part of the nail root. Our blog on frequent ingrown toenail misconceptions provides additional guidance.
For help with an ingrown toenail, Podiatry Center of New Jersey can properly diagnose the issue and recommend treatment. Give us a call at (973) 925-4111 or make an appointment online.
