Can Tight Socks Cause Ingrown Toenails?

Previous research has shown that tight and ill-fitting shoes can be a cause for ingrown toenails, but did you know that even the tight socks can be a culprit? The reason is the pressure from those socks, especially on the big toes. Early signs of an ingrown toenail include:

• Pain when pressure is applied to the toe
• Swelling, tenderness
• Discoloration/Redness around the toenail
• Fluid build-up

If your toe becomes infected, symptoms may include:

• Red, swollen skin
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Oozing pus
• Overgrowth of skin around the toe

You can treat ingrown toenails at home. However, they can cause complications that may require you to seek medical treatment. If your ingrown toenail is severe or caused by an injury, your doctor may take an x-ray to determine how far into your skin the toenail has grown. You are at a higher risk of complications from an ingrown toenail if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause poor circulation.

Other causes of ingrown toenail include:

• cutting toenails incorrectly(cut nails straight across, since angling the sides of the nail can encourage the nail to grow into the skin)
• irregular , curved toenails
• footwear that places a lot of pressure on the toes
• toenail injury, including stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or kicking a ball repeatedly
• poor posture
• improper foot hygiene, such as not keeping the foot clean or dry
• genetic predisposition