Toenail trimming is a responsibility that everyone shares. Doing it correctly ensures your toenails grow evenly and not into the skin, which would otherwise cause them to be ingrown. It only takes a few simple steps to cut yours correctly. Here are the key foot care tips to remember.

How to Cut Your Toenails Correctly

1. Use Nail Clippers

The right tool for the job will give you the best results, so use a quality pair of nail clippers. Purchase a larger pair designed for toes rather than a general product. This will be stronger and cut cleanly and easily through thicker nails.

Having one pair for your toes and another for the fingers also ensures you don’t transfer bacteria back and forth from each. Never use scissors, a knife, or another tool that can result in an uneven cut or an injury.

2. Cut Straight Across & File

Ingrown toenails form when the sides of the toenails are trimmed too short and grow into the skin. Avoid potential problems by cutting the nails straight across.

First, clip from the side to create a straight edge, and then trim the center so that it's even. Then, use a file to smoothen sharp edges that could press into another toe or snag and tear.

3. Don’t Cut Too Short

Many people cut as short as they can to extend the time between cuts. However, this can contribute to ingrown toenails. In general, it’s better to leave your nails a little longer and cut them more frequently — usually once every six to eight weeks. Leave 1 to 2 millimeters of white space — the thickness of a crayon tip — on the end of the nail when you trim to avoid foot issues.

If you’re dealing with discomfort caused by ingrown nails, the foot care team at Aquilar Foot Care Clinic will help. Based in Russellville, AR, podiatrist Danny J. Aquilar and his team provide comprehensive foot care services for patients of all ages. They use state-of-the-art tools to address ingrown toenails, diabetic foot pain, heel spurs, and bunions. Visit their website to learn more about the practice, or call (479) 890-3668 to schedule an exam.