Side of Toenail Hurts but It’s Not Ingrown? Here’s What Might Be Going On | FAS The Woodlands

You wake up with pain or tenderness along the edge of your toenail and assume the obvious: it must be an ingrown nail. But when you take a closer look, there’s no sign of the nail cutting into the skin. So, what might be causing the pain instead? 

If the side of your toenail hurts but it’s not ingrown, you’re not imagining things. While ingrown toenails are one of the most common causes of pain near the nail edge, they’re far from being the only culprit. Several other conditions, from minor irritation to deeper infections or nerve involvement, can cause similar discomfort. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what it means when the side of your toenail hurts, and what steps you can take for relief. 

First, Rule Out an Ingrown Nail 

It’s important to start by looking closely at the area. A true ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge curves into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes even pus or bleeding. 

But if you don’t see any nail piercing the skin, and the discomfort is more diffuse or intermittent, your pain may be coming from another source. 

So if the side of your toenail hurts but it’s not ingrown, here are a few other causes to consider:

Nail Trauma or Pressure

Even minor injuries to the toe can lead to pain near the nail. This might include: 

• Dropping something on your foot.
• Stubbing your toe.
• Wearing tight or narrow shoes that press on the nail edge. 

Trauma can lead to bruising, inflammation under the nail (subungual hematoma), or changes in nail shape, all of which can irritate the surrounding skin. Think back to recent footwear choices or activities, a tight shoe or stubbed toe may be the culprit. If you suspect your footwear might be the problem, check out our guide on the best shoes for foot pain and how to choose the right footwear for comfort and support.

Paronychia (Skin Infection Around the Nail)

Paronychia is an infection of the skin surrounding the nail, typically caused by bacteria or yeast entering through small cuts or broken skin. You may notice: 

• Redness and tenderness on one or both sides of the nail.
• Swelling and warmth.
• Occasional pus or drainage. 

Paronychia can cause intense tenderness and swelling along the nail fold, even when the nail itself isn’t the problem. If you notice redness, warmth, or pus, a skin infection like paronychia may be to blame. Left untreated, it can worsen, so early care is key.

Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal infections (onychomycosis) don’t always start at the center of the nail. Sometimes they begin or spread to the nail edges, leading to: 

• Thickening or discoloration.
• Crumbly or brittle texture.
• Irritation of surrounding skin.
• A dull ache or pressure near the side of the nail. 

Fungal infections can go unnoticed for a while, especially if you’re just focused on the look of the nail. But if the nail looks abnormal, it’s worth having it evaluated. For practical tips on keeping your toenails strong and fungus-free, check out our blog on 5 ways to keep your toenails healthy and fungus-free.

Nerve Irritation or Neuropathy

Sometimes, nerve pain can mimic nail pain, especially in the toes, where space is tight and nerves can become compressed. You may feel: 

• Burning or tingling sensations
• Sharp, shooting pain near the nail
• Discomfort that worsens with pressure or specific shoes 

Conditions like neuropathy or generalized nerve irritation can cause symptoms that feel like nail pain but stem from deeper structures. If the pain feels electrical or radiating, nerves could be the cause. Learn more about the signs and causes in our blog on neuropathy in feet: causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Improper Nail Trimming or Nail Shape

If you’ve recently trimmed your nails too short or rounded the corners too aggressively, you may have accidentally irritated the surrounding skin, even if the nail isn’t technically ingrown. 

This can lead to tenderness, minor inflammation, or even an early-stage pseudo-ingrown nail. It’s another common reason the side of your toenail hurts, especially if you notice the pain started shortly after a pedicure or home nail care. 

When to See a Podiatrist 

Most minor toenail edge pain will resolve on its own with proper care, like switching shoes, keeping the area clean, or applying warm soaks. But if the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, drainage, or color changes, it’s time to consult a specialist. 

You should especially consider seeing a podiatrist if: 

• The pain has lasted more than a few days.
• You notice signs of infection (redness, heat, swelling, or pus).
• The nail is discolored or changing shape.
• You’ve had recurring issues in the same toe.
• The toe is interfering with walking, exercise, or sleep. 

At Foot and Ankle Specialists (FAS) The Woodlands, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of toenail and foot conditions. Whether your pain is caused by infection, injury, fungus, or something else, we’ll help you get the answers you need. 

Schedule an appointment with Foot & Ankle Specialists (FAS) The Woodlands today and let our expert podiatrists help you.