Summer is a time for sandals, flip-flops, and spending time outside. However, if you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail, wearing shoes can be painful and uncomfortable. Ingrown toenails can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, trauma to the nail, and poor nail care. Luckily, there are steps you can take to handle ingrown toenails before the summer, so you can enjoy the warmer weather without pain.

Wear comfortable shoes

Avoid wearing tight, narrow shoes that put pressure on your toes. Instead, opt for shoes with a wide toe box that gives your toes room to move. Wearing comfortable shoes can help prevent ingrown toenails from getting worse.

Trim your toenails properly

Trimming your toenails properly can help prevent ingrown toenails from occurring in the first place. Use toenail clippers to trim your nails straight across, and avoid cutting them too short or rounding the edges. 

If you have trouble cutting your own toenails, consider seeing a podiatrist for help.

Don’t pick at the nail

Picking at the nail can make an ingrown toenail worse, so avoid touching or picking at it. If you have a particularly painful ingrown toenail, cover it with a bandage to protect it from further irritation.

Soak your feet in warm water

Soaking your feet in warm water can help relieve pain and swelling associated with ingrown toenails. Fill a small basin with warm water and Epsom salt and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. The warm water will help soften the nail and reduce inflammation.

See a podiatrist

If your ingrown toenail is particularly painful or is showing signs of infection, it’s important to see a podiatrist like the team at North Texas Foot & Ankle. They can provide treatment options such as antibiotics, partial nail removal, or complete nail removal. They can also provide advice on how to prevent ingrown toenails from occurring in the future.

Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be a painful experience, but there are steps you can take to handle it before the summer. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the summer without worrying about the discomfort of an ingrown toenail. If you’re worried about ingrown nails, give our team a call at 214-574-WALK(9255). The North Texas Foot & Ankle team will be happy to assist you!