It may seem simple, but the way you cut your toenails can make a big difference in keeping your feet healthy. Trimming your toenails incorrectly can lead to painful ingrown toenails, infections, and discomfort; especially if you’re active or spend a lot of time in boots or athletic shoes (hello, Bozeman hikers!). Here’s how to do it right, according to your local foot experts at Montana Foot & Ankle.
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Feet
Always begin by washing and drying your feet thoroughly. Clean nails are easier to trim accurately, and dry nails are less likely to tear or bend while cutting. Tip: If your nails are thick or tough, you can soften them first by soaking your feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Use the Right Tools
Use clean, sharp nail clippers designed specifically for toenails. Avoid using small fingernail clippers or scissors—they can cause uneven cuts and increase your risk of injury or infection. After trimming, you can use a fine nail file or emery board to gently smooth rough edges.
Step 3: Cut Straight Across
This is the golden rule of toenail care: always cut straight across, not down into the corners. Cutting into the sides or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding skin, leading to a painful ingrown toenail. Keep the nail edges even with the tip of your toe or just slightly shorter; don’t go too deep.
Step 4: Don’t Cut Too Short
It might feel nice to have short nails, but trimming them too close to the skin can expose sensitive tissue and make you more prone to infection or ingrown nails. Aim to leave a small bit of white nail visible at the tip.
Step 5: Keep an Eye on Nail Shape and Color
Healthy nails should be smooth, slightly curved, and pinkish in color.
If you notice changes, such as discoloration, thickening, or debris under the nail, it could be a sign of fungal infection or another nail disorder. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat these issues before they get worse.
Step 6: Trim Regularly, Not Aggressively
For most people, trimming every 4–6 weeks is enough. Runners, hikers, and athletes may need to trim more often to prevent nails from pressing into shoes and causing discomfort. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in your feet, don’t try to cut your own nails, see a podiatrist for safe, professional care.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you have:
- Pain, redness, or swelling around a toenail
- Repeated ingrown nails
- Thickened, discolored, or crumbling nails