Ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable and painful. This is when the edge of your toenail grows into the skin surrounding it instead of growing straight. This can cause a lot of discomfort and inflammation. It can also lead to an infection in certain cases is the issue is not addressed on time.
There are many things you can do to prevent ingrown toenails
If you suspect that you have an infection or if there is persistent pain, you can visit Brighton podiatry for a consultation. The podiatrist can help you understand why ingrown toenails occur and give you advice on how these can be prevented. One of the ways that you can experience this is if you don’t follow proper nail trimming technique. Some people tend to round the corners of the nails when they cut and this can increase the risk of developing an ingrown toenail. This can also occur if you cut the nails too short. You need to trim the nail straight across. You will be able to reduce the risk of ingrowth by using toenail clippers. Think about the footwear you have as this can also cuase ingrown toenails. There has to be sufficient space for your toes when selecting shoes.
There are certain shoes that can squeeze your toenails or press against them
If you wear tight fitting shoes or if the fit of the shoe is not right, this can put a lot of pressure on the toenails and they can grow in the skin surrounding it. You need to make sure that you choose shoes that come with a wide tow box. Check whether the materials are breathable so that you are comfortable. You also need to select the right socks as this can also contribute to ingrown toenails. The socks should be made from breathable materials. Cotton is a good material for this. Also, you can select socks made from moisture wicking fabrics. This will keep your feet dry so that you can prevent fungal infections. The socks should not be too loose or tight. You need to have proper circulation for good foot health.
Your podiatrist will
Also shed light on proper foot hygiene that can help prevent ingrown toenails. You need to wash your feet regularly and clean between the toes. The nail bed should also be cleaned. When you keep your feet clean, this can bring down the risk of infections. Once you have washed your feet, you need to dry them thoroughly.
Make sure that the areas between the toes are dry as well because this can contribute to moisture related issues. Trauma to the toenails can also increase the risk of ingrown toenail. This can happen when you stub your toes or hit them forcefully. You need to be aware of your foot movements so that you can avoid accidental trauma. You need to have protective footwear if you engage in activities that can pose a risk. For example, if you do a physical sport, you need to have the right footwear so that you can prevent injuries.
