If ingrown toenails plague you, find out what you can do to prevent future ones.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort. This is a common issue that our Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach, FL, podiatrists Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel treat. Of course, the good news is that there are ways to reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails in the first place.
Can you really prevent ingrown toenails?
While we can’t guarantee that these tricks below are going to keep you from ever dealing with an ingrown toenail again, we can say that they can certainly reduce the risk. There are certain bad habits that people have that can predispose them to ingrown toenails. If you’re someone who is prone to developing ingrown toenails, you’ll want to adopt these habits.
Know how to properly trim your toenails: Yes, there is a technique when it comes to trimming your toenails. While you might love the look of curved nail edges, it’s important to only trim your nails straight across. Curving the edges of the nail increases the risk of ingrown toenails. It’s also best to keep nails level with the tips of your toes.
Trimming nails too short can also lead to this problem. If you’re having trouble trimming your nails yourself, or if you have diabetes, our Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach, FL, podiatrists can trim your toenails for you.
Wear the right shoes: Shoes that put pressure on your toes, are too small, or bunch up your toes are more likely to lead to ingrown toenails. You should be able to freely wiggle and move your toes around in your shoes. If you can’t, this is a sign that your shoes are too tight and could be the cause of your ingrown toenails.
Protect against toe injuries and foot trauma: While we know that you can’t always prevent injuries from occurring, there are certainly some habits you can put in place to protect your feet. Wearing the right shoes for your everyday activities, whether that’s working on a construction site or playing sports, is imperative to protect feet from injury.
When should I see a podiatrist about my ingrown toenail?
It’s important to turn to Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel right away if you notice signs of an infected toenail, which include:
- Extreme redness
- Increased swelling
- Drainage coming from the toe
- Swollen skin around the nail that’s hard to the touch
- A foul smell coming from the nail
- Throbbing toe pain
If it’s time to turn to our Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach, FL, podiatrists Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel regarding ingrown toenails, then simply call Emerald Coast Podiatry at (850) 862-4119 or (850) 682-6522 today. We would be happy to schedule an immediate appointment with our team.