An ingrown toenail can develop for various reasons. In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is inherited. In other cases, an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running. Certain nail conditions are often associated with ingrown toenails. Greater risk for ingrown toenails in-clude if you have had a fungal infection or if you have lost a nail through trauma.