Common Foot Problems and Their Symptoms

5. Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin, or the skin on the sides of the nail grows over the edge of the nail. This can be incredibly painful, and the area can become red and inflamed. Usually, the condition is a result of an infection and can even be chronic. The causes of ingrown toenails include toes that curl, nails that are too large for the toe, trauma from stubbing a toe or repeated trauma from running. The most common cause, however, is cutting toenails incorrectly. When the nail becomes ingrown, it creates a gateway for germs to infect the skin.