Experts agree that ingrown toenails can be painful and may lead to an infection, so you likely want to prevent them. Ingrown toenails are a very common condition where the corner or side of your toenail grows into the flesh of your toe. Ingrown toenails are more common in your big toe, but they can happen to any toe. Research suggests that you might be able to prevent ingrown toenails by caring for your toenails and wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes. Avoiding ingrown Toenails Step 1 Don't trim y