In their protective role, nails bear the brunt of daily activities. Walking, running, wearing shoes or participating in sports are just a few of the stresses and strains the feet must endure. All or a portion of the nail plate can be damaged when the toes are injured or abused. Ingrown nail problems are commonly caused by improper and aggressive trimming, minor injuries or repeated trauma, or a thickening of the plate, causing pressure against the nail and eventual abrasion or cut into the skin.
Some nail disorders can also be congenital.
Toe injuries that change the nail's contour also can lead to an ingrown toenail. Ingrown nails ran be accompanied by other toe disorders, such as excessive skin growth, granuloma, surrounding tissue or an outgrowth of bone beneath the nail. Bacteria enter the skin after an abrasion occurs. If the cut remains open due to pressure from the nail, an infection can develop. Unless the nail is cut back from the open wound, treatment with antibiotics will not offer long-term benefit.