Toenail Troubles- Why is an ingrown toenail more common in sports?

An ingrown toenail is a condition where your toenail is putting pressure on the surrounding skin/tissue, causing pain to develop in your toe. This may cause a break in the tissue and lead to the classic infected looking toenail; however, it can also be more subtle. In some instances, there may be more minor rubbing and pressure that doesn’t cause your skin break, yet can still cause a lot of irritation and pain.

Why are ingrown toenails are more common in sports?

1) Physical stress and ill-fitting sports shoes...

Running and certain sports (such as football, netball or tennis), can create higher impact on feet.

When looking at running shoes we need to ensure they are the correct size, shock absorbing and flexible for the feet moving in different directions, often at speed.

Ill-fitting shoes are the main reason for ingrown toenails in sports, as running shoes and other sports shoes are often narrow at the top, putting excessive pressure around the toenail and restricting nail growth.

2) Trauma and injury to the toenail...

Dropping sports equipment or stubbing/hitting your toe can also cause ingrown toenails.

3) Excessive sweating...

During sports we sweat more and this, alongside improper toenail hygiene and grooming, can also create ingrown toenails.

In conclusion, ingrown toenails are more common when taking up sports due to the toes and feet taking on more impact forces. Obviously our poor feet are always the first thing to hit the ground, so when sports comes into the equation, with extra loading and repetition, it can take a toll! Ill-fitting shoes, repetitive pressure and sudden changes in direction/stopping, trauma, excessive sweating and improper grooming can all increase the likelihood of ingrown toenails.

By Tamara Strand, Foot Health Consultant at Southcote Proactive Healthcare, Maidstone, Kent.