Ingrown toenails occur when your toenails curve into your toe causing pain and possibly injury. Specific factors increase your chances of getting them. Knowing these risk factors could help you prevent ingrown toenails. Your podiatrists at Clintonville Foot and Ankle Group in Columbus, and Dublin, OH, could help prevent and treat your ingrown toenails.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The wrong footwear feels uncomfortable, makes walking difficult, and increases your risk of getting ingrown toenails. Shoes that are too tight push your toenails deep into the nail bed, therefore, acting as a trigger for ingrown toenail development.
If you care about the health of your feet, then you should follow your Columbus, and Dublin, OH, podiatrists' advice and switch to comfy shoes. A good way to know if your shoe is right for you is to check if you can wiggle your toes. Your toes shouldn't feel cramped so, go for shoes with a wide toebox. Wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods can increase your ingrown toenail risk. That's because they force your toes to bear most of your weight.
Trim Your Nails Right
If you usually curve the edge of your toenails when trimming, you increase your likelihood of getting ingrown toenails. The best way to trim your toenails is straight across. Consider investing in a good pair of toenail clippers that are wide enough to clip your toenails straight across.
You can use also use a good pair of scissors to cut through ensuring that you maintain a straight line across your toenail. Avoid aggressively trimming your toenails. Ensure that you aren't trimming your toenails too short.
Protect Your Toes
Persistent foot injury can cause ingrown toenails. That's why ingrown toenails are common among athletes. A good way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect your feet from injuries. If you're an athlete, ensure that you're wearing the right type of footwear for your sport to reduce your chance of injury.
To schedule a consultation with your Columbus, and Dublin, OH, podiatrists at Clintonville Foot and Ankle Group call our Columbus locations at (614) 267-8387 or (614) 272-2313. You can also reach our Dublin location at (614) 761-1466.