18 Dec Why Do I Keep Getting Ingrown Toenails?
Did you know that an estimated 40 million Americans over the age of 18 have suffered from an ingrown toenail? This can be a painful predicament to find yourself in, especially if you find that they are constantly recurring. Luckily, our podiatrist in East Meadow at Cherrywood Foot Care will work to treat your ingrown toenails and help prevent them from coming back!
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an ingrown toenail usually include a few of the following:
- Fluid building up around the toenail.
- Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of your toenail.
- Redness around your toenail.
- Swelling around your toenail.
Why do I keep getting ingrown toenails?
If you are constantly experiencing ingrown toenails, you may be cutting your nails incorrectly, as this is often cited as the most frequent catalyst. To defend yourself against improper trimming, be mindful that you should be cutting your nails straight across. Cutting them at an angle can lead to the nails growing directly into the skin. This slight adjustment can help give you relief that otherwise would have been simple. Repeated trauma can also increase the likelihood of ingrown toenails. Sports that involve running or kicking a ball can damage the nails and lead to them being ingrown. Other potential causes that may be affecting your toenail condition may include:
- Having irregular, curved toenails.
- Hereditary factors.
- Improper foot hygiene.
- Wearing footwear that places copious amounts of pressure on your big toes.
Our podiatrist in East Meadow can help pinpoint the root of your constant ingrown toenails then take the first steps in prevention.
Prevention – Podiatrist in East Meadow
There is always the possibility the reason you keep experiencing ingrown toenails is that proper approaches to prevention are not being made. Luckily, our Podiatrist in East Meadow has the techniques for you to implement:
- Engage in proper toenail care: Always trim your nails straight across and keep them at a moderate length. Keeping them straight and not too short will help eliminate the risk of nails growing into your skin.
- Wear shoes that fit properly: Wearing shoes that are too tight or fit incorrectly may place pressure on or pinch your toes, which can stimulate ingrown nails.
- Wear protective shoes: If your line of work is conducive to toe injuries, wearing footwear like steel-toed boots can help protect against potential harm. Reducing damage to the toenails will mitigate the risk of them becoming ingrown.
At Cherrywood Footcare, we understand how infuriating repeat cases of ingrown toenails can be for patients. Our podiatrist in East Meadow can work with you on ways to help reduce them from occurring. Dr. Joseph Burke and his team will use their cutting-edge podiatric technologies to ensure optimal care for you. To learn more about how we can help end your toenail issues, contact us today.