Your toenail cutting technique could be harmful, reveals expert foot doctor

We've all experienced those moments when we discover that we've been doing everyday things wrong all our lives, only to learn the correct way later on.

It can be quite challenging for all of us who believed we had these things figured out: how much water to drink daily, the proper angle for efficient walking, and even something as simple as cutting toenails.



Believe it or not, a foot doctor who specialises in the field has recently warned against a common method of trimming toenails that could result in unpleasant and expensive consequences.

You may be thinking: it’s just trimming the toenails, simple as that. Now, here is where we do ourselves a grand disservice. It’s not ‘just’ trimming; it’s a crucial aspect of foot care that requires appropriate technique.


Screen Shot 2023-07-03 at 2.05.35 PM.png
A common way of toenail cutting could lead to painful consequences, says a foot expert. Credit: Shutterstock.



In an eye-opening revelation, Paul, a knowledgeable podiatrist (a medical professional specialising in treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg), sent a stern warning across the internet.

He said: 'If you are cutting your toenails the wrong way, then stop doing it today. If it hasn't already, it will lead to an ingrown toenail, and they can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars!'



In an elaboration that would serve as a valuable DIY foot-care tutorial, the foot doctor explained the specifics of a potentially harmful toenail-cutting approach and demonstrated how this personal grooming task should be done correctly.

Paul's first word of caution was explicitly against cutting toenails in a rounded shape or too far into the edges. Sharing a picture of such a toenail, he explained, 'Please, please do not cut your toenails like this. It's only going to lead to more problems.'



Next, Paul demonstrated the correct technique to maintain happy, healthy toenails. He was fervently against using a nail file or scissors, favouring clippers for the job. 'Nip your nail in small clips straight across the nail,' he advised. He showed how to file the corner afterwards, recommending a downward motion filing technique to smooth away the sharp edges.

'There we go, it's as easy as that,' Paul concluded, with as much relief in his words as the relief your toes would feel following his expert advice.



His video swiftly gained a bandwagon of followers, racking up over 300,000 views and countless shares, indicating people's immediate interest in rectifying their long-followed, ill-advised habits.

The comments section was bustling with endorsements of Paul's advice, with users sharing their less-pleasant experiences with incorrectly cut toenails.

That said, some were sceptical, perhaps out of a sense of misplaced loyalty to their habits, asserting their preference for the round-trim approach.

Key Takeaways

  • A podiatrist has issued a warning against a common method of toenail cutting which can lead to painful consequences such as ingrown toenails.
  • He advises against cutting toenails into a rounded shape at the edges, which can lead to problems.
  • The correct technique involves clipping the nail straight across and then filing the corners downwards to remove sharp edges.



Even if you haven't experienced any problems so far, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to Paul's advice and take precautions to avoid the unpleasant fate of an ingrown toenail.

Here's to having comfortable and healthy feet! And don't forget, using the right techniques can not only save you from pain but also a significant amount of money. So let's nip this problem in the bud, or rather, in the toenail!

Do you have any other nail care tips or advice? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
 
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I started going to a Podiatrist a year ago, after suffering pain in my toes, an ingrown etc. There has been a remarkable improvement brought about by the professional care I now receive. I can attest to the comment by my Podiatrist only yesterday, that my feet are now in great shape. Just a pity about the rest of my body. Look after your feet, you only have one set to do you for your life.
 
We've all experienced those moments when we discover that we've been doing everyday things wrong all our lives, only to learn the correct way later on.

It can be quite challenging for all of us who believed we had these things figured out: how much water to drink daily, the proper angle for efficient walking, and even something as simple as cutting toenails.



Believe it or not, a foot doctor who specialises in the field has recently warned against a common method of trimming toenails that could result in unpleasant and expensive consequences.

You may be thinking: it’s just trimming the toenails, simple as that. Now, here is where we do ourselves a grand disservice. It’s not ‘just’ trimming; it’s a crucial aspect of foot care that requires appropriate technique.


View attachment 23946
A common way of toenail cutting could lead to painful consequences, says a foot expert. Credit: Shutterstock.



In an eye-opening revelation, Paul, a knowledgeable podiatrist (a medical professional specialising in treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg), sent a stern warning across the internet.

He said: 'If you are cutting your toenails the wrong way, then stop doing it today. If it hasn't already, it will lead to an ingrown toenail, and they can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars!'



In an elaboration that would serve as a valuable DIY foot-care tutorial, the foot doctor explained the specifics of a potentially harmful toenail-cutting approach and demonstrated how this personal grooming task should be done correctly.

Paul's first word of caution was explicitly against cutting toenails in a rounded shape or too far into the edges. Sharing a picture of such a toenail, he explained, 'Please, please do not cut your toenails like this. It's only going to lead to more problems.'



Next, Paul demonstrated the correct technique to maintain happy, healthy toenails. He was fervently against using a nail file or scissors, favouring clippers for the job. 'Nip your nail in small clips straight across the nail,' he advised. He showed how to file the corner afterwards, recommending a downward motion filing technique to smooth away the sharp edges.

'There we go, it's as easy as that,' Paul concluded, with as much relief in his words as the relief your toes would feel following his expert advice.



His video swiftly gained a bandwagon of followers, racking up over 300,000 views and countless shares, indicating people's immediate interest in rectifying their long-followed, ill-advised habits.

The comments section was bustling with endorsements of Paul's advice, with users sharing their less-pleasant experiences with incorrectly cut toenails.

That said, some were sceptical, perhaps out of a sense of misplaced loyalty to their habits, asserting their preference for the round-trim approach.

Key Takeaways

  • A podiatrist has issued a warning against a common method of toenail cutting which can lead to painful consequences such as ingrown toenails.
  • He advises against cutting toenails into a rounded shape at the edges, which can lead to problems.
  • The correct technique involves clipping the nail straight across and then filing the corners downwards to remove sharp edges.



Even if you haven't experienced any problems so far, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to Paul's advice and take precautions to avoid the unpleasant fate of an ingrown toenail.

Here's to having comfortable and healthy feet! And don't forget, using the right techniques can not only save you from pain but also a significant amount of money. So let's nip this problem in the bud, or rather, in the toenail!

Do you have any other nail care tips or advice? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Does his granny suck or blow eggs?.
 
I often have painful toes and will try harder from now.
A fear friend years ago had an ingrown toenail that got infected
badly and eventually his foot got cut off, true story!
 
We've all experienced those moments when we discover that we've been doing everyday things wrong all our lives, only to learn the correct way later on.

It can be quite challenging for all of us who believed we had these things figured out: how much water to drink daily, the proper angle for efficient walking, and even something as simple as cutting toenails.



Believe it or not, a foot doctor who specialises in the field has recently warned against a common method of trimming toenails that could result in unpleasant and expensive consequences.

You may be thinking: it’s just trimming the toenails, simple as that. Now, here is where we do ourselves a grand disservice. It’s not ‘just’ trimming; it’s a crucial aspect of foot care that requires appropriate technique.


View attachment 23946
A common way of toenail cutting could lead to painful consequences, says a foot expert. Credit: Shutterstock.



In an eye-opening revelation, Paul, a knowledgeable podiatrist (a medical professional specialising in treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg), sent a stern warning across the internet.

He said: 'If you are cutting your toenails the wrong way, then stop doing it today. If it hasn't already, it will lead to an ingrown toenail, and they can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars!'



In an elaboration that would serve as a valuable DIY foot-care tutorial, the foot doctor explained the specifics of a potentially harmful toenail-cutting approach and demonstrated how this personal grooming task should be done correctly.

Paul's first word of caution was explicitly against cutting toenails in a rounded shape or too far into the edges. Sharing a picture of such a toenail, he explained, 'Please, please do not cut your toenails like this. It's only going to lead to more problems.'



Next, Paul demonstrated the correct technique to maintain happy, healthy toenails. He was fervently against using a nail file or scissors, favouring clippers for the job. 'Nip your nail in small clips straight across the nail,' he advised. He showed how to file the corner afterwards, recommending a downward motion filing technique to smooth away the sharp edges.

'There we go, it's as easy as that,' Paul concluded, with as much relief in his words as the relief your toes would feel following his expert advice.



His video swiftly gained a bandwagon of followers, racking up over 300,000 views and countless shares, indicating people's immediate interest in rectifying their long-followed, ill-advised habits.

The comments section was bustling with endorsements of Paul's advice, with users sharing their less-pleasant experiences with incorrectly cut toenails.

That said, some were sceptical, perhaps out of a sense of misplaced loyalty to their habits, asserting their preference for the round-trim approach.

Key Takeaways

  • A podiatrist has issued a warning against a common method of toenail cutting which can lead to painful consequences such as ingrown toenails.
  • He advises against cutting toenails into a rounded shape at the edges, which can lead to problems.
  • The correct technique involves clipping the nail straight across and then filing the corners downwards to remove sharp edges.



Even if you haven't experienced any problems so far, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to Paul's advice and take precautions to avoid the unpleasant fate of an ingrown toenail.

Here's to having comfortable and healthy feet! And don't forget, using the right techniques can not only save you from pain but also a significant amount of money. So let's nip this problem in the bud, or rather, in the toenail!

Do you have any other nail care tips or advice? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
 
I never had ingrown toenails, but I grew up with fallen arches, and, as I aged, a severe arthritic condition escalated to the point of OMG this sucks. So, from my teens, I enlisted a professional to care for my tootsies.
If I did not have a podiatrist now, my feet would not be cared for at all, because, I can't reach them any more. I still manage to moisturise every day but it involves some long armed manipulation.
Just as well there are people out there who make their living from looking at feet like mine.
Mind you, whilst I always considered myself as having UGLY feet, the podiatrist tells me they look pretty good compared to some of the feet that she has faced over the years.

My rules for feet : Don't let things go to far. Moisturise every day. Keep the nail varnish off them.
If it looks like you need a professional, that means you need a podiatrist.
Don't let smelly feet set in (on that front I am very successful. Never had smelly feet, thank goodness)
 
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