How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails make walking difficult because they hurt. They happen when your toenail grows into the skin around it instead of growing straight out. Sounds horrible, but how can you prevent ingrown toenails? Keep reading to find out.

Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented?

Yes, you can prevent ingrown toenails! You just need to take a few steps to care for your toenails and feet. Prevention is simple! With just a little effort, you can keep your feet feeling good and eliminate the need for ingrown toenail treatments Mesa.

Trim Your Toenails Correctly

The way you cut your toenails really matters. You should always trim them straight across instead of rounding the edges. If you round the corners, the toenail may grow into the skin. It’s better to cut them straight so they grow in the right direction.

Wear Properly Fitting Shoes

Tight shoes can squeeze your toes and push your toenails into the skin. Always the best shoes to prevent ingrown toenails such as shoes that fit comfortably and leave enough room for your toes. Don’t wear tight shoes, especially if they are tight in the toe area. Shoes with plenty of space reduce the unnecessary pressure and the need for ingrown toenail treatments Gilbert.

Maintain Good Foot Hygiene

Keeping your feet clean and dry helps prevent ingrown toenails. Wash your feet every day and dry them well, especially between the toes. If your feet stay dry, it helps prevent skin irritation and keeps toenails healthy.

Avoid Trauma to Your Toenails

Bumping or stubbing your toes can hurt your nails and lead to ingrown toenails. Be careful when you’re walking or running, especially in a crowded area or playing sports. You don’t want to put extra stress on your toenails or feet.

Choose Moisture-Wicking Socks

Wet or sweaty feet can make your toenails soft, which can cause them to become ingrown. Wearing socks that wick away moisture helps keep your feet dry. This small change can really help prevent problems and eliminate the need for ingrown toenail treatments Scottsdale.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails from Coming Back?

If you’ve had an ingrown toenail before, you probably don’t want it to happen again. Once your ingrown toenail heals, you need to keep up with the good habits that help you get better.

Continue trimming your toenails the right way, wearing shoes that fit properly, and keeping your feet clean. Also, check your feet regularly for any signs of trouble, like redness or swelling. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to act quickly before it gets worse. The more you stay on top of your foot care, the less likely it is for the problem to return.

How to Cut Toenails to Prevent Ingrown?

Cutting your toenails correctly is one of the most important things you can do to prevent ingrown toenails and eliminate the need for ingrown toenail treatments Phoenix. Here’s what to do:

• Use clean, sharp nail clippers.
• Cut your toenails straight across. Don’t do it in a curved shape.
• Don’t cut your toenails too short—leave a little bit of length.
• Trim your toenails regularly to keep them at a healthy length.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails after Cutting too Short?

Sometimes, you accidentally cut your toenails too short, and that can increase the chance of getting an ingrown toenail. If that happens, here’s what you should do:

• Soak your feet in warm water to soothe the skin around the nails.
• Use some antibiotic ointment to reduce irritation and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing tight shoes that could put pressure on the nail.
• Keep the area clean and dry to avoid any further problems.

If you feel pain or notice swelling after cutting your nails too short, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor and seek ingrown toenail treatments Chandler.

When Should I See the Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail?

You should see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Severe pain or swelling around the toenail.
• Redness or warmth near the toenail.
• Any pus or drainage, which could be a sign of infection.
• If you have trouble walking because of the pain.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, it’s especially important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we are experts in helping people prevent and treat ingrown toenails. With locations in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix, we’re conveniently available to assist you with all your foot care needs. Give us a call today, and let us help you keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails: Let’s Recap

You can prevent ingrown toenails easily. Pay attention to how you trim your nails, what shoes you wear, and how you care for your feet. If you do, you can keep your toenails healthy and pain-free. In addition, regular foot care is the key to avoiding foot discomfort and problems.

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