Toe Woes & Summer: Dealing with those Funky Feet

Let's talk Toes!

We all love our sandals and open-toed shoes in this glorious sunshine, but sometimes our poor toes take a beating. And let's be honest, nobody wants to be rocking funky feet when pool season hits. So, today we're diving into some common toenail troubles that plague us here in the Valley of the Sun.

Our feet work hard, carrying us throughout the day. Yet, how often do we truly inspect our hardworking toes and toenails? Don't wait for a painful ingrown toenail or a discolored fungal infection to send you hopping to the doctor! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to identify common toenail problems and navigate the path to healthy, happy toes.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or edge of your toenail starts to grow into the soft flesh next to it. This can happen to any toenail, but it most commonly affects the big toe. What happens with an ingrown nail? This can be caused by several factors most commonly being improper nail trimming (cutting the nails too short or rounding the corners). Rounded nails may be more prone to breaking or chipping compared to nails with straight edges, This is because the sharp corners provide some rigidity and stability to the nail. When you cut your toenails round, the soft edges can more easily curve inward and dig into the surrounding skin. As the nail digs into the skin, it can cause redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected area. For toenails, it's important to cut them straight across, following the natural curve of the toe and avoid cutting them too short.

Nail trauma can definitely be a cause of ingrown toenails. A direct injury like stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on it, or any other injury to the toe can damage the toenail and alter its growth pattern. This damage can cause the nail to become misdirected and grow inwards. If your toenail gets cracked or split due to trauma, the sharp edges can dig into the surrounding skin and become ingrown. In addition,Trauma to the nail bed can cause scar tissue to form. This scar tissue can disrupt the normal growth pattern of the nail, making it more likely to grow inwards. A damaged toenail may become permanently misshapen. This altered shape can make it more prone to ingrown as it grows.

Another common culprit is shoes that are too tight. When your toes are cramped together, they constantly rub against each other and the sides of the shoe. This pressure can force the edges of your toenail to dig into the surrounding skin, causing an ingrown toenail. Shoes with a narrow toe box don't provide enough space for your toes to spread out naturally. This crowding can cause the toenails to curl inward or get pushed against each other. As shoes wear out, they lose their shape and supportive structure. The pointed-toe shoes crowd your toes in the front of the shoe, and elevated heel of high heels can force your toes to squeeze forward in the shoe, putting extra pressure on the toenails, especially the big toe. This pressure can cause the edges of the toenail to grow into the skin. 

Choosing well fitted shoes can be crucial. There should be enough space for your toes to wiggle comfortably without feeling cramped.This allows your toes to spread out naturally and reduces pressure on the toenails. Don't wait until your shoes are completely falling apart. Once they lose their shape and support, it's time for a new pair. For activities like running or jumping, choose shoes designed for that specific activity. They'll provide optimal support and protection for your feet and toes. 

Wash your feet daily with warm soap and water, paying particular attention to the affected toe. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. A loose bandage can help protect the ingrown nail from further irritation and keep dirt and debris out. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and discomfort. While some minor toenail issues may resolve on their own, it's crucial to seek professional help for any concerning symptoms. You should NOT allow your pedicurist to “remove” ingrown toenails every 2 weeks, that only builds a bad habit of the nail growing and curving into the skin more! Early intervention from a podiatrist can prevent complications and promote faster healing. Get back to showing off your sandals with confidence - visit our website at https://www.aryafootandankle.com/ for more information. 

Author

Dr. Shylaja Arya Dr. Arya is the owner of Arya Foot & Ankle, a podiatry practice that serves the greater Phoenix area with same day, Saturday, and lunch time appointments. She is a level 500 yoga instructor, tennis player, dog mom and shoe lover!