When the corner or the side of your toenail grows into the skin, it can result in irritation including pain, redness, swelling, and an infection that results in drainage. While ingrown toenails are relatively common and can be treated with the help of a podiatrist, there are a few ways to reduce the likelihood of developing this uncomfortable condition. If you’re worried about ingrown toenails, here are a few tips to stack the odds in your favor.

4 Ways to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

1. Trim With Caution

To promote nail growth the moves up as opposed to into the sides of your toe, always trim your nails straight across and be gentle with the edges. Avoiding cutting your nails too short or tearing them as uneven growth can lead to ingrown problems.

2. Wear Proper Fitting Shoes

When you wear shoes that are too tight or that pinch your toes, your nails may be in constant contact with a hard surface. Staying in this position for hours on end will result in nail growth outward as opposed to upward. As such, always try shoes on before purchasing and make sure there’s enough room to wiggle your toes.

3. Give Your Feet Some Freedom

Socks, tights, and shoes put on-going pressure onto your toenails. To combat this situation, give your feet time to breathe unencumbered each day. When you’re sitting at home or sleeping, go barefoot so your feet are dry and free of restrictions.

4. Be Gentle With Your Cuticles

When trimming your nails or visiting a spa for a pedicure, cutting cuticles often becomes a common part of the process. Unfortunately, cutting or pushing back your cuticles using unsanitary instruments or when your feet are not properly soaked and prepared can promote ingrown toenails. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, leave your cuticles be and exercise caution when it comes to selecting a nail salon. By visiting a pedicurist who uses safe methods and clean equipment, you’ll avoid both ingrown and fungal nails.

Eastern CT Foot Specialists, led by New England native Dr. Tarka, has been helping residents throughout Norwich, North Windham, and surrounding regions of Connecticut maintain healthy feet and ankles for over 25 years. If you’re looking for a friendly and experienced foot doctor that specializes in treating various conditions from ingrown toenails and fungal nails to bunions and ankle pain, call today at (860) 887-3538 for the Norwich office or (860) 456-9593 for the North Windham office to schedule an appointment. For more information on the practice, visit their website.