Prevent Ingrown Toenails from Getting Under Your Skin

Some things in life just get under your skin and irritate you. It could be certain sounds, a physical motion, the way certain people do things—any kind of pet peeve. When you encounter that pet peeve, you can’t help but feel aggravated. Ingrown toenails are a pet peeve that can literally get under your skin. Fortunately, this is one annoying foot problem that you don’t have to live with. There are ways for you to help prevent the problem and live with peaceful, happy feet.

Ingrown toenails slowly grow sideways and either pinch or pierce the skin on the side of your toe instead of growing straight forward. This can happen for several reasons, including the natural shape of your nails and your toes, or even a traumatic injury to your digit. For many people, however, the problem is the result of outside pressure on the nail, curving the edge so it grows incorrectly.

To prevent ingrown nails from getting under your skin, you have to prevent that kind of pressure on your toes. Here are a few ways you can take care of you digits and your nails:

• Skip narrow or tight shoes – Narrow, tight shoes and pointed toe boxes all squeeze your digits and put pressure on your nails. Instead, wear shoes with wide, roomy toe boxes.
• Make sure socks fit right – Socks can squeeze your toes and nail edges, too. Wear fitted socks that don’t squish too tightly.
• Keep your nails clipped – Nails that are clipped short and straight across are much less likely to become ingrown.

If you participate in sports like soccer where you kick things, make sure you take extra care of your toes and examine your nails regularly for damage that could lead to ingrown nails.

Not all ingrown toenails can be prevented, but you can certainly take steps to avoid many of them. There’s no need to let this annoying and painful condition get to you. Let our team at Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper help you avoid toe pain. If you’re concerned you may already have nail trouble, we can help you there, too. Just make an appointment at our Jasper, IN, office by calling (812) 481-7200 or by using our online contact forms.