Ingrown toenails occur when the side of your toenails grows into the skin of your toe. The condition is quite painful and can lead to an infection. That is why it is ideal to prevent them in the first place.

Here are a few ways to avoid ingrown toenails.

Always Cut Your Toenails Straight Across

Many people develop ingrown toenails by cutting their toenails at angles. Although this might not seem like a big deal at first, it can irritate your toenails. To avoid any issues, remember to trim your toenails straight across. If you go and get a pedicure, ask your technician to cut your toenails across.

Be Careful Not to Cut Your Toenails Too Short

If you have ever trimmed your toenails too short on accident, you are not alone. When you're not paying close enough attention, it is possible to cut your toenails shorter than you want them. Unfortunately, this can increase your risk of ingrown toenails.

To minimize the risk of this happening, use a bigger nail trimmer specifically designed for toenails.

Do Not Hurt Your Toes

If you hit your toe on an object, you have a greater risk of developing an ingrown toenail. The inflammation that results can push your skin into the edges or your toenails. Prevent this from occurring by being aware of your surroundings and removing clutter from your floors.

Wear Properly Fitted Footwear

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly is not just uncomfortable. They can also increase the risk of ingrown toenails. If there is not enough room for your toes in your shoes, a toenail can grow improperly. If you do not know your true shoe size, have a shoe salesman measure your feet.

Visit the Podiatrist

For some people, it is necessary to see a podiatrist regularly to avoid ingrown toenails. For instance, if you are a diabetic, you may not have sensation in your feet and might notice if your toes are inflamed. When you suffer from diabetes, there is a greater chance that an ingrown toenail will get infected.

You may have to see your podiatrist more frequently for foot checkups.

Ingrown toenails are a pain to deal with. If you follow these helpful tips, you can lower your risk of developing ingrown toenails in the future. If you have additional questions about your foot health, you should get in touch with your podiatrist soon.