How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails might not seem like a serious health concern but treating them is important if it’s causing you pain. When the edge of your big toenail grows inwards into the toe’s skin, it can create an ingrown toenail, often leading to pain while walking. In severe cases, untreated ingrown toenails can give way to a bacterial or fungal infection throughout the toe and into the bone itself. What’s the best way to prevent an ingrown toenail? Keep reading to find out.
What Creates an Ingrown Toenail?
- improper nail trimming
- fungal infections
- toe deformities
- heredity factors
- ill-fitting footwear
Do You Have an Ingrown Toenail?
If you have an ingrown toenail, you’ll likely have one or more of the following symptoms…
- pain and tenderness along the side of the nail
- redness
- inflammation
- swelling
- at times, infection of the tissue around the toenail
- pus in the toe
How Can You Prevent an Ingrown Toenail?
- Cut your toenails correctly. Be careful not to cut your toenails too short, and also try to cut them on just a slight curve or straight across. This will help keep the edge of the nail from growing into tender skin.
- Treat any foot or ankle conditions or deformities ASAP. As toe deformities like bunions and overlapping toes progress, the pressure on the sides of your toes increases, making the development of ingrown toenails more likely. You can purchase reasonably effective toe separators and bunion braces over the counter or see your foot doctor for custom orthotics.
- Wear the right shoes. Shoes that are too tight, especially in the toe box area, will push your toes together, and the pressure can cause an ingrown toenail. Have your feet properly measured, and choose a wider and deeper toe box to prevent rubbing and provide room for pads and inserts.
- Avoid foot or ankle injuries. Another major cause of ingrown toenails is a foot injury. Dropping something heavy on your toe can cause a toenail to grow abnormally. Wearing sturdy shoes with steel inserts, if necessary, will prevent this type of toe injury.
Think you have an ingrown toenail? Call your podiatrist ASAP.
At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi and his staff treat a range of conditions and are committed to providing results. To schedule an appointment, contact his Woodland Park, NJ office at 973-256-0002.
