Ingrown toenails are among the most painful conditions that majorly affect the feet. They occur when the edge of your toe digs back and deeper into the skin. If this happens, it can cause inflammation, redness, and swelling in your toes and the surrounding tissues. Ingrown toenails can lead to other serious problems like fungus or athlete’s foot if left untreated for long periods. Therefore, knowing how to prevent your ingrown toenails at home or through your podiatrist is important. However, if you are already struggling with this condition, visit an ingrown toenails Fort Worth specialist for the most effective treatment options. Here are six effective measures you can take to prevent ingrown toenails.
1. Trim Your Nails Across
If you have ingrown toenails, it is important to keep your nails trimmed straight across to prevent them from growing back into the skin. Avoid cutting your toenails too short or letting them grow too long to avoid problems down the road. Use a file or buffer instead of a nail clipper to smoothen and even the edges on your toes. Using a nail clipper can make you susceptible to developing an ingrown toenail because of its uneven-cutting nature.
2. Wear Fitting Shoes
Wearing shoes that fit well and are the right size can greatly prevent ingrown toenails. It is advisable to try on a variety of shoes until you find one that fits perfectly. Also, ensure they are not too tight and long.
Shoes should have room for your toes to move, which can help prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Avoid shoes that can easily cause injuries like sprained ankles and other foot problems that might increase your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
3. Protect Your Feet From Injuries
Protect your feet from injury by wearing shoes with good shock absorption. Shoes with a thick, supportive sole are best for minimizing the risk of injury to your toes and feet. You can find these types of shoes in stores and on online websites. Also, wear shoes with a wide toe box which is the space between each toe. These shoes can help minimize pressure on your toes and make walking comfortably through rough terrain easier.
4. Wear Moisture-wicking Socks
Moisture-wicking socks are made of a special fabric that pulls moisture away from the foot, preventing blisters and infection. They can also be worn when hiking or running in hot weather, which helps prevent friction burns on your toes.
During cold weather, ensure to wear woolen, warm, soft and comfortable socks. They are usually perfect for hiking or running in cold weather because they can trap air on your skin, keeping your feet warm.
5. Visit a Podiatrist
Visiting a podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes, is crucial in preventing ingrown toenails. Diabetes usually puts you at risk of developing this condition, but with proper care and regular visits to your podiatrist, you can learn how to manage it.
Your podiatrist might recommend at-home care treatments such as washing your feet before bedtime using warm water and soap. This step can help soften dry skin on your feet to prevent ingrown toenails.
Protecting your feet from ingrown toenails can help keep them healthy and improve overall health. Consult some of the best specialists from Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists on preventing and treating ingrown toenails. They will provide some of the best-personalized care treatments based on the severity of your condition. Call or book an online appointment to learn more.
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