Ingrown Toenails from Tight Shoes: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

Have you ever felt pain or swelling around your toenail after wearing tight shoes all day? You’re not alone. Ingrown toenails are a common problem, and one of the main causes is wearing shoes that squeeze your toes. It may seem like a small issue, but if not treated properly, it can become very painful or even get infected. In this article, we’ll talk about why this happens, how you can treat it at home, and what to do to prevent it from coming back.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge or corner of your toenail grows into the skin next to it. This causes redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes even pus if it becomes infected. The big toe is the most common place for this to happen, though any toe can be affected.

At first, it may just feel tender, but over time it can become harder to walk or wear shoes comfortably. If ignored, an ingrown nail can lead to infection that might need medical attention.

How Tight Shoes Cause Ingrown Toenails

Tight shoes are one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails. When your shoes don’t give your toes enough space, the pressure pushes your toenails into the surrounding skin. Over time, this constant pressure can cause the nail to curve inward and dig into the flesh.

High heels, narrow dress shoes, and certain sports shoes can all be to blame. People who spend long hours in restrictive footwear—like athletes, workers in uniform boots, or anyone wearing snug shoes daily—are more likely to develop this problem.

Other contributing factors include:

Cutting your toenails too short or in a curved shape
Injury to the toe
Naturally curved toenails
Poor foot hygiene

Symptoms to Watch For

You might have an ingrown toenail if you notice:

Pain or tenderness along the sides of your nail
Redness and swelling around the toe
A feeling of pressure or throbbing when you wear shoes
Pus or drainage if the area becomes infected

If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t worry—many mild cases can be treated right at home.

Simple Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

If your toenail is only mildly ingrown and not infected, you can try these home remedies to help relieve pain and encourage healing:

Soak Your Foot in Warm Water
Soak your foot in warm, soapy water or Epsom salt water for 15–20 minutes, two or three times a day. This softens the skin and nail, reduces swelling, and eases discomfort.
Gently Lift the Nail
After soaking, use a clean piece of dental floss or cotton to gently lift the corner of the nail away from the skin. Replace it daily after each soak. This helps the nail grow in the right direction.
Apply an Antiseptic Ointment
Apply a small amount of antibiotic cream or ointment (like Neosporin) to prevent infection, and cover it with a clean bandage.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Switch to open-toed shoes, slippers, or shoes with a wide toe box until the nail heals. Avoid tight or narrow shoes that put pressure on your toes.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If the pain is bothersome, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed.

With consistent care, most mild ingrown toenails heal within a week or two.

When to See a Doctor

If your ingrown toenail doesn’t improve after a few days of home care—or if you notice signs of infection like severe pain, pus, or redness spreading around the toe—it’s time to see a doctor or podiatrist.

You should also seek professional help if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, or any condition that affects foot health. A doctor may trim or partially remove the affected part of the nail to allow it to grow properly. In some cases, a minor procedure can permanently prevent that part of the nail from growing back.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

The good news is that ingrown toenails are easy to prevent with a few simple habits:

Wear the Right Shoes
Always choose shoes that give your toes enough room to move. Avoid tight, pointed, or high-heeled shoes for long periods.
Trim Your Nails Properly
Cut your toenails straight across instead of rounding the edges. Don’t cut them too short—leave them even with the tip of your toe.
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Wash your feet daily, dry them well, and wear clean socks to reduce moisture and bacteria.
Protect Your Toes
If you play sports or have a job where your feet are at risk of injury, wear protective shoes or steel-toed boots.
Check Your Feet Regularly
Especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues, inspect your feet often for any early signs of nail problems.

Final Thoughts

Ingrown toenails caused by tight shoes are common, but they’re also preventable. By wearing comfortable footwear, trimming your nails correctly, and keeping your feet clean, you can avoid this painful issue altogether.

If you already have an ingrown toenail, don’t ignore it. Start with simple home care steps, and if it doesn’t improve, see a healthcare professional. A little attention today can save you from a lot of pain tomorrow—and let your toes stay healthy and happy.

Ingrown Toenails from Tight Shoes: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention