Ingrown Toenails and Athletes: Strategies for Prevention and Management in Active Individuals

Ingrown toenails can be very painful, causing swelling, redness, and inflammation around your toenails. They are especially common among athletes. Fortunately, your podiatrist can help you get relief. Dr. Gary Rogers at Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic in Wilmette, IL, offers a full range of foot care services, including diagnosis and treatment of ingrown toenails.

What You Need To Know About Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails among athletes and people who play sports are usually caused by toe and toenail trauma. Other causes of ingrown toenails include:

• Cutting your toenails too short
• Having toenails that naturally curve under
• Wearing shoes without enough room for your toes

If you play sports, the most important way you can prevent ingrown toenails is to wear appropriate footwear for the sport you are playing. Wearing protective, supportive footwear helps protect your toes and toenails from trauma.

When you are choosing shoes, it’s helpful to have a shoe expert help you pick out the right shoes. The shoes should fit well, but not be too narrow in the toe area. A shoe with a wide-toe box is best.

When you are trimming your toenails, be sure to cut them straight across and not too short. Even with the best prevention, you may still develop an ingrown toenail, especially if your toes curve under naturally. You can try some simple remedies to care for an ingrown toenail. You can:

• Place a small piece of dental floss underneath your toenail to guide it above your skin
• Apply antibiotic cream and bandage the ingrown toenail
• Soak your toe in warm water for 15 minutes 3 times daily
• Cushion your toe with cotton or bandages

Seeing your podiatrist is an excellent idea. Your podiatrist can treat your ingrown toenail and provide helpful information about ingrown toenail prevention. To treat an ingrown toenail, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Lifting and separating the toenail from the skin around it
• Trimming off the ingrown part of your nail
• Removing the toenail completely, so a new, healthy toenail can grow freely
• Laser therapy to treat the ingrown toenail

Want To Know More About Ingrown Toenails?

To find out more about the prevention and treatment of ingrown toenails, call Dr. Rogers of Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic in Wilmette, IL, part of the North Shore University Health System at (847) 256-4434. Call today.