5 Things To Avoid Doing To Your Ingrown Toenail
Is your ingrown toenail causing you constant pain and discomfort? Are you tempted to try and do something about it yourself?
If this is you, we recommend caution—whilst we recognise ingrown toenails can be painful, avoid making these 5 common mistakes otherwise you could risk aggravating your symptoms:
Cutting the ingrown toenail yourself
If the toenail is not cut properly, you could worsen the problem or trigger an infection. In addition, improperly cutting the toenail can increase the likelihood of it becoming ingrown again in the future.
Engaging in physical activity
If you have an ingrown toenail, avoid physical activity like running that would place extra pressure on your feet and toes. This is because activities like running can increase the pain and discomfort you’re already feeling, and can also mean more time will be needed for your toe to heal and recover.
Ignoring clear signs of infection
If you’ve noticed any obvious pus, redness, or swelling, your ingrown toenail is very likely infected. Ignoring this can lead to further complications, so it’s important to get your toenail assessed by one of our podiatrists as soon as possible.
Picking at the toenail
Picking, tearing, or gouging at the nail or surrounding skin can not only leave sharp edges of nail behind, it can introduce bacteria to the area and contribute to the onset of infection.
Wearing tight or too-small shoes
Shoes that place excessive pressure on your toes can contribute to painful ingrown toenail symptoms. They are also not conducive to a speedy recovery—instead, we suggest more comfortable and supportive footwear such as wider and deeper shoes around the toes. Our podiatrists can help with shoe education and provide appropriate recommendations if needed.
When it comes to treating ingrown toenails, avoid the risks of DIY—talk to us instead!
Our podiatrists have decades of experience helping people address their ingrown toenail symptoms as well as the actual causes that contribute to the occurrence of ingrown toenails in the first instance.
For proactive and preventative ingrown toenail treatment in Adelaide, call us on 08 8338 0622 or book online to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists.
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