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    Avoiding Ingrown Toenails

    Published on October 1st, 2018

    If you’ve experienced an ingrown toenail, you understand just how painful they can be. Ingrown toenails occur when the side edge of one of your nails digs into your skin. This will constantly dig into your skin and cause irritation and pain. This pain is exaggerated if you wear constricting close-toed shoes, and they are also prone to infection if they break through the skin. If you are experiencing a painful ingrown toenail, don’t hesitate to seek relief and call our team today!

    What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

    Unfortunately, ingrown toenails can happen more easily than you might expect. If your parents were prone to developing ingrown toenails, you may be more prone to them as well. Wearing shoes that do not properly fit are also a catalyst of ingrown toenails. If you squeeze your feet into tightly fitted shoes, you are creating an environment for ingrown toenails to develop. Unexpectedly stubbing your toe or putting repeated pressure on your toes may cause ingrown toenails to develop. Even something as simple as improperly trimming your toenails or a pedicure gone wrong may cause an ingrown toenail.

    Remedying Ingrown Toenails

    Ingrown nails can be grown out and taken care of on their own, but not if you have an infection. You can soak ingrown toenails in warm water with Epsom salts and a mild detergent to try to remove the infection yourself, but ultimately, seeing one of our podiatrists is a great solution if you aren’t sure how to treat the infection on your own.

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