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How to Avoid Ingrown Toenails

How to Avoid Ingrown Toenails
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Keeping your feet in good shape is essential for staying mobile and active. However, ingrown toenails, a common foot problem, can quickly turn from a minor annoyance into a painful ordeal. Understanding how to avoid ingrown toenails can help you keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the sides of the nail grow into the skin of your toe, most often on the big toe. This can happen for several reasons:

  • Foot injuries. Trauma to the toe, even just stubbing it, can allow your toenail to grow irregularly. This increases the risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
  • Improper nail trimming. If you trim your toenails too short or cut them in a curved shape instead of straight across, you increase the risk of the nail growing into the skin.
  • Inherited foot structure. Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails because of the natural shape of their nails or toes.
  • Wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Tight shoes can press the toenails into the skin, especially if they are too narrow in the toe box. Proactively prevent the pressure that can cause the nail to grow into the skin by choosing well-fitting shoes that have a wide toe box.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

You can take simple steps to prevent an ingrown toenail, including:

  • Keep your feet and toes clean and dry. If they get wet from activity, dry your feet thoroughly and put on dry shoes and socks.
  • Protect your feet. Wear the correct protective footwear for every sport or activity. Even minor trauma can alter how your nails grow, so protecting your feet is important during exercise and sports.
  • Trim your toenails properly. Always use clean, sharp nail clippers to trim your toenails straight across. Don’t cut your nails too short, and be careful not to round the edges of your nails too much.
  • Wear socks and shoes that fit correctly. No matter what your sport, activity or everyday lifestyle requires, wear shoes and socks with a wide toe box to help prevent friction.

Treating an Ingrown Toenail

If you already have an ingrown toenail, you can try at-home treatment to relieve the pain and prevent infection. Try soaking the affected foot in warm water and Epsom salt for 20 minutes a few times a day, which may help reduce swelling and make the skin softer.

If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling or pus, it's time to see a physician. A podiatrist, a physician who specializes in foot care, can safely treat the ingrown toenail and prevent further complications.

If you have questions about ingrown toenails or other foot problems, make an appointment with a physician on our podiatry team.



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