Ingrown Toenail

Shoes that are pointy and narrow in the toe region, high heels and shoes that are too tight can all lead to increased pressure on your toes. This can increase your chances of an ingrown toenail. A good rule of thumb is to wear shoes that you can wiggle your toes in.

They should be cut straight across. Cutting them too short and curving the edges can cause the nail to grow into the neighboring skin and become ingrown.

Yes! If possible, try wearing an open-toed shoe to take pressure off of the painful toenail. Soak the toe in warm water with a teaspoon of Epsom salt for pain relief. If you notice any signs of infection, such as warmth, redness, swelling, or pus oozing from the affected area, you should seek medical treatment right away.

It depends on the severity. For mild cases, one might be able to continue daily activities. However, activities causing pressure or potential trauma to the affected toe should be avoided.

If toenails are improperly trimmed during a pedicure, or if tools are not clean, there's an increased risk of ingrown toenails or infections.

While minor surgeries can permanently treat ingrown toenails, it's not always the first option. Podiatrists might suggest other treatments depending on the severity and frequency.

It's a good practice to measure your foot size annually or when there's a noticeable change in your feet due to events like pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.

Toenails should be cut straight across, not rounded at the corners, and should not be trimmed too short. This prevents the nail from growing into the skin.

While you can wear high heels, it's essential to be cautious. Choose heels with a wider toe box, limit the duration of wear, and monitor for any signs of toenail discomfort.