Is there a right way to cut your toenails? Do it properly to avoid problems like ingrown toenails
Ray Nguyen
April 8, 2023
Proper toenail cutting is essential to avoid painful ingrown toenails that make walking difficult. In worse cases, ingrown toenails can go beyond pain and lead to infections. So, what’s the correct way to do it, and when should you call a professional for help?
Before we discuss when calling for a podiatrist would be best, let’s first look at the main steps for trimming toenails properly.
Are you using regular scissors or other cutting tools not specifically designed for nails? If yes, it’s time to invest in proper, quality nail cutting tools so you don’t inadvertently injure yourself.
You will need to purchase two nail clippers, one appropriate for your fingers and one for your toes. Unlike smaller and thinner fingernails, toenails are thicker and broader, requiring a larger clipper. Having separate tools will also help reduce the risk of passing fungus or bacteria between your hands and feet.
Always clean your clippers properly after every use.
Cut your toenails every six to eight weeks to keep them at a reasonable length. But if you’re an athlete or a very active person, trim them more often. If you need to trim more often, be careful since cutting them too short can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Leaving your toenails too long will also do the same.
Remember, knowing how to cut toenails isn’t the end of it. It would be best if you also keep in mind the proper frequency to avoid painful problems in the future.
Toenails tend to be more flexible when soaked, resulting in bends and tears when cutting. Avoid this and cut your nails when they’re dry, don’t do it after getting out of the shower. It ensures that you get a cleaner cut.
But if you have incredibly thick toenails, cutting them will be easier after a shower since they will be softer. Sometimes, however, you may need professional help to do it properly.
When cutting toenails, ensure that you cut straight across with the corners lying loosely against the skin at the sides. Don’t trim too short, don’t cut your toenails into a pointy shape, and don’t round the edges. Doing any of this may lead to ingrown toenails, and nobody wants that.
File your toenails after cutting to smooth down jagged edges that can snag and tear your toenails. File the nails in one direction and focus on going from corner to centre to avoid fraying the nail. Continue filing straight across until you achieve your desired shape but remember not to overdo it.
Toenail cutting may not seem like a difficult task for most people. But for those who have difficulty moving due to medical conditions, back pain, or pregnancy, we know how bad trimming your toenails can get. Removing an ingrown toenail also requires professional expertise, especially one that has caused an infection.
Podiatrists are medical experts who specialise in the lower limbs, including caring for toenails. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat skin and nail problems in a safe, hygienic manner to ensure their clients can carry on with their daily tasks without worrying about their feet.
If you have any of the following nail concerns, it’s time to visit a podiatry clinic.
You can also visit your podiatrist if you are concerned about regular general nail care.
Apart from ingrown or infected toenails, you can also visit your podiatrist for other concerns. You can also drop by for:
Are you suffering from foot pain and don't know the cause? It might be time to have your foot checked. Book a consultation to receive a complete foot health assessment to check potential risk areas. Next, you will receive a management plan to help maintain the health of your feet.
Wearing the right shoes helps eliminate many foot problems, including foot pain, calluses, corns, heel pain, bunions, and the like. However, buying the wrong shoes is easy if you don't know what's suitable for your feet and your activity levels. Podiatrists can advise you on the best footwear for different situations based on your level of activity and the shape of your feet.
Do you have concerns about your toenails or your feet in general? Book a consultation with our podiatrist in Marrickville to get your condition checked. Our podiatry clinic offers comprehensive solutions to your problems, from routine treatments to biomechanical analysis. Whether you are suffering from ingrown toenails, need help cutting your toenails, or experiencing foot pain, we can help.
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) is a healthcare professional who specialises in this field. Podiatry is a relatively new branch of medicine, only emerging as a distinct profession in the early 20th century. However, the field has grown rapidly in recent years, owing to increasing awareness of the importance of foot health. Today, podiatrists play an important role in keeping people mobile and active. They often treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails and Achilles tendonitis. In addition, they can provide advice on footwear and foot care for people with diabetes or other medical conditions that put them at risk of foot problems.
Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscles. The needles are usually made of stainless steel and are very thin, so they cause minimal pain when inserted. However, some people report feeling a brief, sharp pain when the needle enters the skin. There are several theories as to why dry needling causes this pain. One theory is that the needles stimulate nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which triggers a pain response. Another theory is that dry needling causes a release of chemicals called cytokines, which can increase pain sensitivity. It’s important to note that while dry needling may cause some discomfort, it is generally not considered painful. Many people find relief from their chronic pain after undergoing dry needling therapy.
A syndesmosis injury is a serious condition that can occur when the bones in the ankle joint are not properly aligned. This can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly, or the ankle is twisted. If not treated properly, a syndesmosis injury can lead to long-term problems. There are two main types of syndesmosis injuries: anterolateral and posterior. Anterolateral injuries are more common when the foot is planted awkwardly on an uneven surface. Posterior injuries are less common and occur when the ankle is twisted. If you think you have a syndesmosis injury, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include rest, ice, elevation, and immobilization. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.
Email Us
info@hyperhealth.com.auOpening Hours
© 2023 Hyperhealth. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
