Ingrown toenails occur when the toenails physically start to grow into your skin. This can cause pain and discomfort, especially each time you put on your shoes. These toenails occur if you trim your toenails by tapering the corners, which can cause them to grow into your toe. Wearing shoes that are too tight can also contribute to an ingrown toenail. Also, some people simply have toenails that are too large for their toes.
Ingrown toenails should be avoided whenever possible because they cause pain and can contribute to chronic skin infections.
To protect yourself against ingrown toenails, cut your toenails straight across instead of curving the toenail’s shape. Doing so can prevent the toenail from growing into the nail bed. If you have a medical condition that affects your foot’s circulation, such as diabetes, you may wish to come to our Reston podiatrist’s office to have your toenails professionally trimmed.
In addition to avoiding trimming your toenails in a curved fashion, you should also avoid cutting your toenails too short. Doing so can prevent your growing toenails from embedding into the nail bed.
Avoid wearing highly pointed shoes or shoes that are too tight. Ill-fitting shoes will squeeze your feet and can lead to ingrown toenails. You can also tell the salesperson at the shoe store you frequent that you have a foot problem to ensure you are buying the right shoes to prevent ingrown toenails.
Note that if you do experience an ingrown toenail, don’t try to remove the ingrown portion from the nail bed by yourself. Doing so could do more harm than good. Instead, rely on professionals like our Reston podiatrists to remove the ingrown toenail portion.
If you have an ingrown toenail causing you pain and discomfort, make an appointment at our Reston podiatrist’s office by calling (703) 437-6333.