Proper nail care is essential for preventing ingrown toenails, and since nail technicians trim toenails all day, it is logical to ask: Do pedicures help ingrown toenails?
Our podiatrists’ (foot specialists’) answer to this question may surprise you; keep reading to find out!
How Does Proper Care Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
Individuals can have chronic, recurrent ingrown toenails for many reasons (you can read about them in the previous post on this blog), and since there’s no cure, maintenance is necessary.
The main form of preventative maintenance is regular trims, but it must be done properly. You can’t cut it too short, and to prevent that, you must leave 0.04–0.08 inches of nail growth at the top of the nail, beyond the flesh of your toe.
Your toenails must also be cut straight across, at an even angle parallel to the nail bed, and you cannot round the corners. Otherwise, your toenails will grow sideways, pressing into the tender tissue on the sides of your nailbed.
Do Pedicures Help Ingrown Toenails?
After all, who better to trim and shape your toenails than a nail tech?
Frankly, that is incorrect.
Nail techs do not have the training to cut toenails according to the exact specifications listed above to prevent them from becoming ingrown; their main objective during a pedicure is to make the toenails look beautiful.
Who Can Trim My Toenails Properly?
Unlike nail techs, podiatrists know how to properly trim nails to prevent them from growing back improperly.
Although the first section taught you the basics of proper nail care for preventing ingrown toenails, you might need more comprehensive guidance. For best results, we recommend visiting your podiatrist’s office and allowing them to demonstrate and ensure you are following the steps correctly.
Who are Birmingham’s Best Foot Doctors?
If you live around Birmingham and suffer from chronic ingrown toenails despite wearing the right shoes and practicing proper trimming, we’re here to help. Our podiatrists offer the treatment you need to alleviate your pain and prevent it from recurring.
Please contact our staff at Foot Specialists of Birmingham today! We’ll gladly help you set up an appointment with our incredible team of podiatry experts and nursing assistants who are certified by the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants.
Thanks for reading today’s blog post on chronic ingrown toenails. Next time, we’ll explore another common foot condition—plantar fasciitis—and why we believe treating it is absolutely necessary.