Chronic ingrown toenails disrupt more than your comfort—they limit your activity, affect your mood, and increase your risk of infection. Each time the problem returns, you lose a little more confidence that it will ever truly go away. But it can. Podiatric treatment addresses the underlying causes, not just the symptoms, and offers solutions tailored to your specific situation. Below, our central Minnesota podiatrists explain what drives the painful cycle of recurring ingrown toenails and discuss treatments designed to address the root cause.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails to Keep Coming Back?
An ingrown toenail becomes chronic when it returns within weeks or months of treatment, or when you're constantly managing the same toe. You might notice redness that never fully fades, tenderness that lingers even when the nail looks fine, or discharge that signals ongoing infection. Signs like these are your body’s way of telling you that you need professional care. Key factors that contribute to chronic ingrown toenails include:
Hereditary Nail Shape
Some people inherit toenails that naturally curve downward or grow wider than the nail bed can accommodate. This genetic trait makes ingrown toenails almost inevitable without intervention.
Improper Nail Trimming
Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges creates space for the nail to dig into surrounding skin as it grows. Even one poorly trimmed nail can trigger months of discomfort, and repeated trimming mistakes can turn occasional problems into chronic conditions.
Ill-Fitting Footwear
Shoes that crowd your toes—especially narrow toe boxes or tight athletic shoes—press the nail into the skin over time. If your job or lifestyle keeps you in these shoes daily, the pressure becomes relentless. The nail responds by growing into the soft tissue it's pushed against.
Previous Injury or Trauma
Stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or repetitive impact from running can alter how your toenails grow. Damaged nail beds don't always heal perfectly, and the resulting growth pattern may lead to chronic ingrown toenails long after the initial injury.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, fungal infections, and circulatory issues change how your body heals and how your nails grow. These conditions don't just make ingrown toenails more likely—they make them more dangerous. Infections develop faster, and minor problems escalate without proper care.
How Podiatrists Treat Chronic Ingrown Toenails
If you've tried home remedies, like soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salts, but the problem keeps returning, it's time to seek professional evaluation. Our central Minnesota podiatrists can diagnose what's driving the cycle and offer treatments that go beyond symptom management with a focus on preventing recurrence. Many treatments can be completed during a single office visit, with minimal downtime. Treatment options for ingrown toenails include:
Partial Nail Avulsion
Partial nail avulsion is a minor in-office procedure that involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail under local anesthesia. Your podiatrist will trim the section of the ingrown toenail that is digging into your skin, providing immediate relief. For many patients, this one-time procedure ends the pain cycle entirely.
Matrixectomy for Permanent Correction
Matrixectomy offers a permanent solution to chronic ingrown toenails. With this procedure, your podiatrist will remove a small section of the nail matrix—the tissue responsible for nail growth—so that the problematic edge never grows back.
This procedure takes minutes, heals quickly, and eliminates the issue for good. You'll still have a normal-looking toenail; it just will no longer curve into your skin.
Addressing Underlying Infections
Chronic ingrown toenails often carry persistent infections that over-the-counter treatments can't resolve. If your ingrown toenail is infected, your podiatrist will prescribe targeted antibiotics, drain abscesses (if necessary), and ensure the infection clears completely before addressing the nail itself. Treating infection first prevents complications and sets the stage for lasting relief.
Customized Footwear and Orthotics
If the shoes you wear are contributing to chronic ingrown toenail issues, your podiatrist can recommend footwear modifications or custom orthotics to reduce pressure on your toes. These adjustments protect your feet during daily activities and prevent new ingrown toenails from forming. Small changes in how your foot sits inside your shoe can make a measurable difference.
Ongoing Monitoring for High-Risk Patients
For patients with diabetes or circulatory conditions, regular podiatric check-ups catch problems before they escalate. The team of experienced podiatrists at St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center monitors nail growth, manages minor issues early, and provides education on proper foot care. This proactive approach prevents ingrown toenails from becoming serious infections that threaten your overall health.