Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Affiliates in Podiatry in Meredith, NH, or Concord, NH are here to help when you have ingrown toenails. Our podiatrists Dr. William McCann, Dr. Jeffery Davis, and Dr. Thomas Detwiller are skilled in diagnosing and treating every kind of foot ailment. If you are prone to ingrown toenails or have one right now, keep reading for tips on preventing them and come see us.

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail happens when the side of a toenail digs into the skin of the toe. It becomes red, inflamed, and can be very painful. Ingrown toenails can easily become infected and require surgery if left untreated.

Some people inherit the tendency to develop ingrown toenails, but they can happen to anyone. Ingrown toenails most often happen when a toenail has been cut too short, especially against footwear that is too tight.

How to prevent ingrown toenails

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is trimming them too short, so you need to be careful when trimming your toenails. Make sure they are trimmed straight across without rounded edges. When the corners are rounded or they are cut too short, it's easier for the nail to start to grow into the skin.

Comfortable and supportive footwear is another important step to preventing ingrown toenails. This means shoes that support your arch and give your toes room to wiggle. Socks should be fitted but not tight. Tight socks and shoes can encourage or aggravate ingrown toenails.

You can also practice some basic foot care to be extra careful of ingrown toenails. Wearing clean socks and washing your feet every day helps prevent fungal infections which increase the chance of developing ingrown nails. It's best to rotate shoes so they have a chance to completely dry out between wears and keep your feet clean and dry.

When you have ingrown toenails in Meredith, NH, or Concord, NH, come to Affiliates in Podiatry. Dr. William McCann, Dr. Jeffery Davis, and Dr. Thomas Detwiller can help treat and prevent future ingrown toenails. Contact us for an appointment in Concord at (603)-225-5281, and in Meredith at (603)-279-0330.

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