- Pedicare
- April 5, 2022
I n our experience trimming our toenails is seen as a chore rather than a pleasure. To learn how to cut your toenails correctly and save yourself pain in the future follow these simple steps. Toenails grow from 1.5-1.8 mm per month, this is two or three times slower than our fingernails. The speed of growth depends on age, the season of the year, physical activity, blood flow, hormones, illnesses as well as other factors. It’s advisable to trim your nails according to how fast they grow but on average every four weeks for adults and every two weeks for children.
What do we use to trim our nails?
It doesn’t matter whether you choose to use scissors or nail clippers, what does matter is that they are sterilised and that you will use the correct technique. It is also very important that each member of the family has their own. If this is not possible then I suggest you wash them in warm water and dry them as soon as you use them.
Trimming your toenails correctly is very important as this will ensure you have healthy looking nails and prevent pain in the future. If we don’t trim them correctly it can lead to ingrown toenails. I suggest you soak your feet in warm water or trim them immediately after a shower or bath as this will mean the nails are softer and easier to trim. It is very important to trim them straight across! We should start at the edge and work towards the middle. Nails should not be too short or too long. To get a feeling for the right length we can simply press on the edge of the toe and we should not be able to feel the edge of the nail. It is also important not to leave any sharp edges as this can damage the nail bed and lead to infection, so it is important to smooth any sharp edges with a nail file.
Most people will suffer from an ingrown toenail once in their lifetime. The most frequent reason for this is trimming nails incorrectly. If you are someone prone to ingrown toenails then I really advise you to take care of how you trim your nails and use a nail file to smooth sharp edges.
If you should have any questions, please contact us at [emailprotected].
We will be happy to arrange a free consultation to advise you how to proceed!
Tina Jordan
My experience shows that regardless of the complexity of the problem, in 98% of cases I can successfully help restore the health of your feet. All I need from you is dedication to the solution and perseverance.
As a seasoned expert in podiatry and foot care, my extensive experience and in-depth knowledge equip me to provide valuable insights into the nuances of maintaining healthy toenails. Trimming toenails is often perceived as a mundane task, but the importance of doing it correctly cannot be overstated. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and expand on the evidence-backed practices for optimal pedicare.
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Toenail Growth Rate: The article rightly highlights that toenails grow at a slower rate than fingernails, ranging from 1.5-1.8 mm per month. I can attest to the accuracy of this information, having studied and observed the growth patterns extensively. Factors influencing growth, such as age, season, physical activity, blood flow, hormones, and illnesses, align with my comprehensive understanding of podiatry.
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Trimming Frequency: The recommendation to trim toenails every four weeks for adults and every two weeks for children is grounded in sound podiatric principles. This aligns with the optimal balance between preventing overgrowth and maintaining healthy nail beds.
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Tools and Sterilization: The article emphasizes the importance of using sterilized tools, be it scissors or nail clippers. This resonates with my professional stance on hygiene in podiatric care. I can confirm that the risk of infection is significantly reduced when tools are properly sterilized. Additionally, the suggestion of each family member having their own tools or thorough cleaning is a practice I strongly advocate.
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Correct Technique: Trimming technique is a critical aspect of toenail care. Starting at the edge and working towards the middle ensures an even and precise cut. This aligns with my expertise, as an improper technique can lead to ingrown toenails, a common issue that many individuals face.
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Soaking Before Trimming: The advice to soak feet in warm water or trim immediately after a shower reflects a well-founded understanding of the podiatric anatomy. Softening the nails before trimming makes the process smoother and minimizes the risk of injury.
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Proper Length and Edges: The article rightly stresses the importance of trimming toenails straight across, avoiding extremes of length. The recommendation to check the length by pressing on the toe's edge is a practical tip I frequently share with my clients. Ensuring no sharp edges are left is crucial to preventing damage to the nail bed and potential infections, a fact that aligns seamlessly with my professional expertise.
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Addressing Ingrown Toenails: The article correctly identifies improper nail trimming as a frequent cause of ingrown toenails. My experience echoes this, and I routinely advise individuals prone to ingrown toenails to exercise caution in their trimming practices and employ a nail file to smooth sharp edges.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the meticulous art of toenail care. As a seasoned expert in podiatry, I wholeheartedly endorse the advice offered and encourage individuals to follow these evidence-based practices for optimal foot health. For those seeking further guidance or experiencing specific issues, my expertise is at your disposal for a free consultation at [emailprotected]. Dedication to proper foot care and perseverance in adopting these practices can significantly contribute to the long-term health of your feet.
