Why Do You Keep Getting Ingrown Toenails?

We all have those days where it feels like we're stuck in a rut. Experiencing the same problems over and over, no matter how hard we try to fix them. For some of us, this includes chronic foot pain and unattractive irritations. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with ingrown toenails. Fortunately, there are a few potential solutions to your problem! 

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of the nail burrows into the soft tissue that borders your toe. Most commonly, it's the big toe that's affected, but any toenail can be subject to this painful condition. This can be extremely painful and often results in inflammation, swelling, and infection.

Here's why you could be facing an ingrown toenail more frequently than you should. 

Your shoes - 

Did you know that choosing the wrong shoes is one of the leading causes of ingrown toenails? More than half the population wears shoes that are too small or too big for their feet, which can cause all sorts of problems, including pain, discomfort, and nail deformities. To avoid these issues, be sure to get your feet properly measured before buying new shoes!

If your shoes are too tight, they can pinch and compress your toes, which can interfere with the forward growth of your nails. This can cause them to grow down into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and pain. On the other hand (or foot), if your shoes are too big, they can slide around on your feet and cause your nails to be repeatedly bashed against the front of your shoe. This can be highly uncomfortable and even painful. It's essential to make sure you purchase the right size and style of shoe for your feet to avoid this issue.

Incorrectly cutting your nails - 

Cutting toenails may seem like a simple task, but there is actually a right and wrong way to do it. Many people don't realize that incorrect toenail cutting can lead to problems like ingrown toenails.

When it comes to trimming your toenails, there are three main mistakes people make:

• It's essential to keep your nails at a moderate length - if they're too long, they're more likely to get pressed inward or curve downwards and create an ingrown toenail.
• Similarly, if you cut your nails too short, they are more likely to snag the surrounding skin as they grow out. To avoid this, make sure to trim them evenly and not too close to the skin.
• Toenails should be cut and filed in a straight line across rather than following the curve of the toe. Over-filing at the corners can cause pain and problems.

If you want to avoid getting ingrown toenails, it's important to cut your nails so they're even with the tip of your toe. Cut them in a straight line from corner to corner for the best results. A longer, wider-armed toenail clipper will give you a cleaner cut. And be sure to trim your nails when they're dry to reduce the risk of tearing them.

You have naturally curvy nails -

Unfortunately, many people who suffer from ingrown toenails have naturally curved nails. This can be a big problem, as curved nails tend to get caught in the soft tissue around them, resulting in repeated pain and irritation. 

If you're dealing with an ingrown toenail, the best thing you can do is make an appointment with a fully trained and HCPC Registered podiatrist. Here at Footfix, we can quickly relieve your pain and get you on the road to recovery. We'll numb your toe and gently remove the ingrown nail. You'll be bandaged up and ready to go in no time.