Take These 4 Steps to Increase Circulation to Your Feet and Avoid Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be caused by many factors, including poor circulation to the feet. This is a problem that can also lead to issues such as varicose veins and swollen ankles, but it's also one of the easiest problems to work against. If you want to reduce your likelihood of developing ingrown toenails, take the steps listed below to ensure that circulation to your feet improves.

1. Keep Your Feet Warm

Nobody likes having chilly feet, but this is one of those problems that is easy to ignore, especially since feet tend to go numb and stop bothering their owners. Unfortunately, the blood vessels in your feet will constrict in response to cold temperatures, making it harder to provide a healthy supply of blood. Make sure you wear socks or slippers inside when it's cold, and invest in some decent shoes to keep your feet warm when you go outside.  

2. Sit Right

One of the easiest ways to increase blood flow to your feet is simply to correct your seating position. It's best to have your feet elevated for part of the day if you spend hours sitting at a desk, and you should definitely avoid crossing your legs for prolonged periods. While you're at it, make sure you get up and walk around every hour or so to help get the blood pumping.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is responsible for a huge number of bodily operations – that's why humans die within just a few days if they can't receive any. Of course, it's unlikely that you'll be neglecting to drink water entirely, but taking too little means increasing the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails. This is because your body needs fresh water to hydrate cells and improve blood flow.

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes

It doesn't matter how great a pair of shoes look – they are never worth ruining your health for. It's fine to wear something a little less comfortable on the odd night out, but make sure you mainly wear low-heeled shoes with plenty of cushioning. High heels, or slim pointy-toe shoes, can really affect circulation. For those who need to stay looking professional, men should switch to loafers while women should try shoes with rounded toes. For extra height, wedges are a lot better than heels.

Anyone who has experienced ingrown toe nails in the past would do themselves a disservice by ignoring the tips in this list. Instead, improve the circulation to your feet by making these changes as soon as possible.