Typical Errors Made by Individuals Dealing with Ingrown Toenails
Evident physical anomalies are usually immediately noticeable, but what about those conditions that remain concealed? Such hidden abnormalities are often disregarded, not least because they aren’t readily apparent. One such condition that often falls under the radar is an ingrown toenail. Given our feet are typically cloaked in socks or shoes for the majority of the day, it’s all too easy to miss this issue. Nevertheless, an ingrown toenail calls for prompt medical intervention and lifestyle modifications. However, many individuals persist in their everyday routines, often committing errors that should be avoided when managing this condition. Even upon recognizing an ingrown toenail, a significant number of people are uncertain about the next steps. Here are some of the prevalent missteps individuals with ingrown toenails often make:
Wearing Tight Shoes
Many people operate under the false belief that a pair of shoes that fits tightly equates to the perfect fit. The snug feel of tight shoes can create an illusion of a perfect fit as they encompass your feet closely. However, an ideal pair of shoes should offer ample room for your nails to rest comfortably and your toes to splay out freely. If you notice the signs of an ingrown toenail, it’s recommended to refrain from wearing tight shoes. As a preventative measure against future occurrences of ingrown toenails, select shoes that provide sufficient width. Particularly narrow shoes, such as those with a slim toe area or ‘toe box,’ or steel-capped shoes, could pose problems. These styles tend to exert excessive pressure on the toenails and surrounding skin, promoting the nails’ ingrowth into the skin.
Incorrect Approach to Toenail Trimming
Inadequate toenail trimming practices can lead to complications such as ingrown toenails. For instance, overly rounding the corners when trimming your toenails may prompt the nail to dig into the adjacent skin. If you’re already dealing with an ingrown toenail, tearing the nail off can exacerbate the issue. This often leaves behind a small, sharp piece of nail (a spicule), which is likely to develop into another ingrown toenail. Furthermore, it’s advisable to refrain from excessively shortening your toenails.
Ignoring the Issue
Toenails are a part of our body that we often overlook. This is the most common mistake that people make with ingrown toenails. Today, ingrown toenail removal surgery is quite common and could remove your abnormal toenails easily. Ingrown toenails won’t disappear overnight. For this reason, we must pay attention to our feet and act accordingly if we notice an ingrown toenail.
Is It Time to Consult a Podiatrist?
Should you experience any of the aforementioned problems, it’s essential to seek professional advice. Get in touch with MVS Podiatry Associates for a comprehensive assessment. Our team consists of board certified/qualified podiatrists, and we are deeply committed to maintaining the health of your feet.
