Ingrown Toenails: Why They’re So Common in Autumn — and How Our Folkestone Podiatrists Can Help

kim smith
Oct 17
2 min read

As the weather cools and sandals are swapped for boots, many people in Folkestone and across Kent start to notice sore or painful toenails. At FootHouse Podiatry Clinic in Folkestone, we often see a spike in ingrown toenail problems at this time of year — and with good reason.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail happens when the side or corner of the nail grows into the skin rather than over it. This can lead to:

Redness, swelling, and tenderness
Sharp or throbbing pain when wearing shoes
Infection around the nail (sometimes with pus or discharge)

Even a mild case can make walking uncomfortable — and if left untreated, it can worsen quickly.

Why Autumn Is a Peak Time for Ingrown Toenails

After a summer of open footwear, our feet adjust to freedom and space. When autumn arrives, we suddenly return to tight, closed footwear — trainers, boots, or office shoes — which compress the toes and push the nail edge into the surrounding skin.

This seasonal change, combined with short or rounded nail cutting, creates the perfect environment for an ingrown toenail to develop.

Who Gets Ingrown Toenails?

Our podiatrists at FootHouse frequently treat:

Teenagers – often active in sports or wearing tight trainers
Adults on their feet all day – especially runners, retail, and healthcare workers

Footwear pressure, sweat, and poor nail cutting habits all contribute to this painful problem.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Here are our top podiatrist-approved tips for healthy nails this autumn and winter:

Cut nails straight across – Never round or dig into the corners.
Wear shoes with plenty of toe room – especially when wearing thicker socks.
Keep nails moderate in length – not too short or too long.
Maintain daily foot hygiene – wash, dry, and moisturise your feet regularly.
Seek help early – mild redness or soreness can be treated before infection sets in.

Professional Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Folkestone

If your toenail is painful, swollen, or infected, avoid home remedies — digging at the nail often makes things worse. At FootHouse Podiatry in Folkestone, our HCPC-registered podiatrists provide:

Gentle, sterile removal of the ingrown nail edge
Antiseptic dressing and aftercare advice
Long-term solutions such as partial nail surgery (a quick, permanent procedure for recurring cases)

We use professional, medical-grade instruments and ensure every patient receives safe, effective care.

Healthy Feet for Every Season

Your autumn and winter footwear shouldn’t come with pain. If you’re experiencing

discomfort or suspect an ingrown toenail, our friendly team at FootHouse Podiatry Clinic in Folkestone is here to help. We offer expert ingrown toenail treatment, foot pain assessment, and comprehensive podiatry care for patients across Kent and the South East.

FootHouse Podiatry – Keeping Folkestone on Its Feet. Book your appointment today for professional Ingrown Toenail Assessment in Folkestone, Kent.