Question
I have toenails that grow into my skin -- it's just the way they are, no matter how I care for them, what type of shoes I wear, etc. They do get worse when I wear pointy shoes, etc. I've had to go to the podiatrist a few times to have infected ingrown toenails cared for. I find that it helps when I get pedicures twice a month or so, but every time I get a pedicure, the nail technician wants to cut the sides of the toenails "because they grow in and to prevent more ingrowns." From everything I've read, it seems that you're supposed to cut them straight across, and not cut the sides at all. But, I figure these people treat lots of feet, so I'm curious to know what the best way to care for and cut nails that are prone to being ingrown. Thank you!

Answer
When you cut the toenail straight across-you may still round the corners. The KEY is that the corners of the nail should always be slightly longer than the corners of the skin.That way if a shoe presses constantly it doesn't eventually force up the skin around the nail to block it and then become ingrown.
That said-if you need to trim into the corners to prevent pain-then you should do so cautiously. Try to let the central portion become ingrown also, and trim only to comfort. Try not to let the trim keep moving towards you-but rather have the nails the longest comfortable length.
A permanent solution may be to let your podiatrist removes the corners permanently.
It is a cosmetically acceptable procedure and almost unnoticeable if done right.

Good Luck!
Hope this helps!

Dr George Tsatsos
Chicago Podiatrist 60618,60661
Elmhurst Podiatrist 60126
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New Chicago South Loop Location
AnkleNFoot.com

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