Do you have an ingrown toenail? This condition can be extremely painful and difficult to treat at home. The biggest culprit for ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that don’t fit right – ones that push on your toes and create pain with every step you take. Even if you can manage the pain on your own, it’s highly recommended that you get professional treatment. Ingrown toenails can lead to bacterial or fungal infections if you aren’t careful. Luckily, this can all be prevented.

Here are four tips from the doctors here at Syracuse Podiatry for preventing ingrown toenails:

Treat Like Other Conditions

As toe deformities like bunions and overlapping toes progress, the pressure on the sides of your toes increases, making the development of ingrown toenails more likely. You can purchase reasonably effective toe separators and bunion braces over the counter or see your foot doctor for custom orthotics.

Cut Correctly

Be careful not to cut your toenails too short, and also try to cut them on just a slight curve or straight across. This will help keep the edge of the nail from growing into the skin.

Wear The Right Shoes

Shoes that are too tight, especially in the toe box area, will push your toes together, and the pressure can cause an ingrown toenail. Have your feet properly measured, and choose a wider and deeper toe box to prevent rubbing and provide room for pads and inserts.

Look Out For Injuries

Another major cause of ingrown toenails is a foot injury. Dropping something heavy on your toe can cause a toenail to grow abnormally. Wearing sturdy shoes with steel inserts, if necessary, will prevent this type of toe injury.

Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and the rest of the staff at Syracuse Podiatry in East Syracuse, New York, can help treat and care for your feet. Call us at 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online to get help today.