Ingrown toenails are painful, pesky to remove, and usually require medical attention to be cured. Before you get an ingrown toenail, you should think about the steps you can take to avoid getting one in the first place. These tips are simple and effective, and can save you a lot of pain and discomfort!
- Don’t wear shoes that are too small. Wearing shoes that are too small puts increased pressure on the toes, which increases the likelihood of an ingrown toenail forming.
- Wear shoes with wide toes. Wearing shoes with widely shaped toes gives your toes more room to move around without coming into contact with the side of the shoe. Wearing shoes with narrow, pointy toe shapes will put increased pressure on your toes.
- Trim your toenails straight across. Trimming your toenails requires a different technique than trimming your fingernails. While fingernails are fine to be cut in a curved shape, toenails should be cut in a straight line. This shape will prevent the nail from growing into the side of the toe.
- Don’t trim your toenails too short. Trimming your toenails too short makes it easier for the nail to grow into the skin while getting back to a moderate length. It is better to keep your toenails at a moderate length so that they are already grown past the skin of the toe.
- Check your nails regularly. By simply checking your nails for an ingrown toenail frequently, you can catch an ingrown in its early stages and treat it before it becomes painful and irritated.
If you have an ingrown toenail or are worried about getting them, the best thing to do is talk to a licensed podiatrist. They will be able to diagnose your toes, give you advice on preventing ingrown toenails, and perform effective ingrown toenail removal. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, give us a call at (424)-299-4627 or visit our website for more information.