This condition is usually very painful and can be associated with infection of the toe. Some ingrown toenails are chronic, with repeated episodes of pain and infection. Irritation, redness, uncomfortable sensation of warmth, as well as swelling can result from an ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenails can develop for many reasons.
In some cases the condition is congenital, such as toenails that simply are too large. Persons whose toes curl, either congenitally or from diseases like arthritis , are prone to ingrown toenails. Often, trauma, like stubbing a toe or having a toe stepped on, can cause a piece of the nail to be jammed into the skin. Repeated trauma, such as the pounding to which runners typically subject their feet, also can cause ingrown nails. The most common cause is cutting your toenails incorrectly, causing them to re-grow into the skin.