Ingrown toenails can be incredibly painful, and they cause many to alter the way they live their life on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to prevent ingrown toenails, especially for those who are not familiar with what causes them to occur in the first place.
By having a complete understanding of what causes ingrown toenails, it becomes much easier to prevent the issue from developing. While good proper hygiene is a good place to start when trying to prevent an ingrown toenail, the following are four common causes to be aware of, as well.
Perhaps the leading cause of ingrown toenails is cutting the toenails too short, which can cause the toenails to grow back into the skin and cause severe complications. For many, the natural tendency when cutting their toenails is to angle the way they cut since the toenail itself is curved. However, a more effective strategy when cutting — and one that significantly reduces the chance of cutting them too short and causing an ingrown toenail — is to cut evenly across the entire length of the toenail, rather than angling the way the toenail is cut.
Crowded shoes have been known to lead to ingrown toenails on certain occasions. When a shoe is ill-fitted and places too much pressure on the toenail, it can cause improper growth, especially if the shoe is worn for an extended amount of time. Subsequently, it is important to wear shoes that fit properly to ensure prevention of an ingrown toenail. For those who have had ingrown toenails in the past or are at higher risk of developing one in the future for any reason, it may be best to wear a shoe that is slightly larger than normal.
Toenail injuries can lead to ingrown toenails in some instances. It is important to take proper precaution after an injury to the toenail and monitor the growth of the toenail. It can also be helpful to be aware of activities that carry a higher risk of toenail injury, such as sports that require kicking a ball constantly. Other common toenail injuries include dropping a heavy object on the foot and stubbing a toe on a door.
If a toenail seems to grow in improperly and may be ingrown, it is important to seek medical assistance as the earlier the issue is diagnosed, the more effortless the treatment for the ingrown toenail may be.
Some individuals may be at an increased risk of developing an ingrown toenail if they have an abnormally curved toenail. Those who have previously suffered ingrown toenails and find their toenails to grow in irregularly, it is important to ensure proper precaution is taken to avoid ingrown toenails from developing.
If you suffer from an ingrown toenail and do not know what caused it or need treatment, consult with us today and find out how we can help diagnose and treat the issue and avoid future instances of ingrown toenails from developing.
Are you considering ingrown toenails in the Pocatello area? Get more ingrown toenails information at https://www.pocatellopodiatry.com.
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