In instances where ingrown toenails manifest severe symptoms, podiatrists may resort to the utilization of nail splitters. These purpose-built instruments are designed to split the affected nail longitudinally, sans pain or damage. Blade material: Stainless steel | Edge shape: Curved | Size: Fingernail clipper | Extra features: Ergonomic ridges Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Several things can put pressure on or damage the nail, increasing the risk of an ingrown toenail. These include: Use the right tools; foot doctors recommend using large nail clippers for the toes. This helps to make a clean, straight cut. This podiatry tool raises the edge of the ingrown nail, creating ample space, effectively relieving pressure and allowing the nail to grow perfectly. This technique promotes healing and is a preventive measure against recurrent ingrown toenails. Nail Splitters

The best nail clippers you can buy in 2023

It’s also important to avoid wearing shoes that squeeze or put too much pressure or stress on your toes. This includes high heels and narrow or point-toe shoes, and any shoes you use for walking, hiking, or running. Rauch C, et al. (2014).Physics of nail conditions: Why do ingrown nails always happen in the big toes?

Ingrown toenails happen when the side or top corner of your toenail grows in to the flesh around the nail. One or both sides of the big toenail can be ingrown. Blade material: Stainless steel | Edge shape: Curved | Size: Toenail clipper | Extra features: Cushion grip

Returning your item

Size: If you’ve got small fingernails and toenails, you may find that you’re better off with a small fingernail clipper for both. But if your toenails are a bit tougher, you’ll want to consider a separate clipper. This gentle filing action smoothens rough edges and prevents the formation of sharp corners that have the potential to penetrate the surrounding skin, leading to further discomfort. Podiatrists use ingrown toenail files to ensure a more comfortable and appropriately contoured nail shape. Ingrown Nail Lifters Caring for your toe and overall health after the nail surgery is important. You want to make sure your toe heals properly and prevent infection. Gently lift the edge of the toenail and put a small bit of cotton ball under the nail to encourage it to grow in a different direction not into the skin or nailbed. Soak your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes to soften the nail and skin. You can add Epsom salt, tea tree oil, or other disinfecting essential oils to the footbath. You can also try a vinegar foot soak.

Toenail nippers are used to delicately and methodically reduce the length and shape of the affected nail. As such, nail nippers' podiatry effectively alleviates pressure on the surrounding skin to mitigate pain. Nail Files Blade material: Stainless steel | Edge shape: Straight | Size: Toenail clipper | Extra features: Free sharpening service Slender and flat, ingrown nail lifters are instrumental in managing ingrown toenails. Podiatrists skillfully employ these specialized instruments to lift and separate the ingrown nail from the surrounding skin.

Bottom Line

Nail splitters create a gap, allowing podiatrists to effectively alleviate pressure, enabling the nail to grow in the appropriate direction. This approach significantly reduces pain and mitigates the risk of complications. Probes and Elevators Nail files, or emery boards, are crucial in the post-trimming process. After nail trimming, these tools gently file down the edges of the toenails. Because they’re mini clippers, they are on the smaller side, so those with larger hands may find them a little fiddly. However, we think any size hand can use these with a bit of practice, and the extremely high quality of the clippers means you’ll never need to buy another pair in your lifetime.

This can happen when the nail becomes damaged, bent, or has been growing against external pressure. One example is if you wear the same shoes every day and those shoes compress your toes together or put pressure on the side of your toe and nail. Instead of growing straight, the toenail edge curls down, digging into the skin and flesh. This typically involves numbing the toe or foot with an injection. The skin on top of the ingrown nail may be removed with a scalpel. Injuring your nail by stubbing your big toe can lead to an ingrown nail. Other causes include chronic illnesses or not getting the right nutrients in your diet for healthy nail growth. Family history or being on certain medications also increases your risk. Avoiding complications: If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to complications such as abscesses, cellulitis (a skin infection), or the formation of granulation tissue (excessive tissue growth). These complications can be more challenging to treat and require more invasive interventions. It is important to remember that a qualified podiatrist should treat ingrown toenails to avoid complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your foot health. Bottom LinePain relief: Ingrown toenails can cause significant pain and discomfort. Treating them helps alleviate the pain associated with the condition, allowing individuals to walk, stand, and engage in daily activities without discomfort.