Healthy toenails are important for protecting the ends of your digits, so taking care of them is worth the investment. Make sure you keep them clean and well-trimmed. Wash them carefully when you scrub your feet every day, and clip the nails straight across so they are less likely to become ingrown. If you file the nail as well, don’t use a sawing or back-and-forth motion. Instead, file from the outside edges toward the center. When you moisturize your feet, rub some lotion or ointment on top of the nails, too. Don’t cut your cuticles at all—that can open your body to infection. Instead, gently push them back from the nail with a cuticle pusher.
If you’re concerned about the strength of your nails, or notice thickening, discoloration, curling, or other unusual distortions, don’t ignore it. Instead, contact the experts at Southern Oregon Foot & Ankle, L.L.C. for more information or an appointment to check for infections or other problems. Visit the online contact page or call (541) 776-3338 to reach our Medford office.