Ingrown toenails are painful, unsightly, and can lead to infection. It’s a common condition and easily treatable by a podiatrist, particularly when diagnosed and treated early. However, people with diabetic foot conditions should be extra vigilant, as they are at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails. Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow when an ingrown toenail strikes.

Do:

Check nails often.

Athletes, such as runners and cyclists, whose toes may experience trauma by hitting the end of a shoe repeatedly, should check their feet regularly for signs of ingrown nails. If you drop something on your toes or stub one badly, keep an eye on the affected toes until the pain subsides to make sure an ingrown nail doesn’t develop.  

Wear appropriately sized footwear.

Wearing shoes that are too short can cramp the toes and force the nail into an ingrown shape. Narrow-toed shoes or high heels that cause the feet to be smashed into the toe of the shoe are also culprits. If you can’t eliminate this type of footwear, limit the time on your feet while wearing them and take them off when you have a chance to rest.  

Soak your feet for relief.

A foot bath in warm water and Epsom salt can relieve discomfort from an ingrown nail. In the early stages of development, it may also soften the skin and nail enough that the toenail can be easily released from the skin through a gentle massage.

Don’t:

Trim toenails too short.

You might think that trimming your nails short would prevent ingrown toenails, but this is how the problem begins. Leave a sliver of nail visible above the nail bed for healthy toenails. You can also skip trimming them altogether and file them carefully.

Try to fix your ingrown toenails at home.

If you attempt to extract ingrown toenails at home, you risk an infection. Repeatedly trimming the border of the nail is another do-it-yourself treatment that some patients try, but it can actually cause the ingrown nail to worsen.

St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM in Florissant and St Peters, MO, is a board-certified podiatrist with more than 20 years of experience. From ingrown toenails to diabetic foot care, Dr. Wood will customize a treatment plan using the latest technology to get you back on your feet again. As a Fellow of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, he utilizes the most effective techniques available. Call (636) 720-0190 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.