Running is an excellent hobby; whether you run for fun or are a competitive marathon runner, it's a great way to stay healthy and in shape. However, running also increases the risk of injuries, specifically for the feet and ankles.
Ingrown toenails are bothersome issues that many people, including runners, face. At Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. David Deiboldt provides tips and tricks to avoid painful injuries and ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails can happen to anyone, but runners are especially prone to them – why? An ingrown toenail forms when outside pressure pushes the nail into the toe's skin, causing pain and other symptoms.
Runners are at risk for ingrown toenails because of the constant pressure and trauma to their feet. Even the best running technique and rest may not save you from an ingrown toenail.
However, running isn't the only risk; other contributing factors to ingrown toenails include improper nail cutting, anatomic problems, and improperly fitted shoes.
Caring for your feet is vital to enjoying the sport if you're a runner. We offer prevention tips and tricks to help you avoid a dreaded ingrown toenail during the running season.
Preventing ingrown toenails is vital to any runner's success, and it's pretty simple. One of the major contributing factors is ill-fitting shoes.
Your shoe choice is critical as a runner. They should fit well, provide good support, and be comfortable. Ill-fitting shoes put pressure on the toes, resulting in an ingrown toenail.
Allow someone to properly fit you for shoes with a roomy toe box to prevent pressure and trauma on the toenail. Pay attention to socks. Wear socks that aren't too restrictive in your shoes and allow the feet and toes to breathe.
Proper nail trimming is another way to prevent an ingrown toenail. Trim your nails regularly and cut the nail straight across, not at an angle. It's also important not to cut the nail too short, as this can lead to an ingrown toenail.
Take breaks from running as well for ingrown toenail prevention. Too much trauma on the feet and toes causes an ingrown toenail, no matter how careful you are.
The above tips decrease your chances of an ingrown toenail but they don't eliminate your risk. Other factors play into getting an ingrown nail; you could still have a problem.
If you do get an ingrown toenail, there are effective home treatments that help. It's essential to allow the nail to heal before going on a long run again. Other tips to help the nail heal include:
If treated properly, an ingrown toenail should improve within a few days. However, seek treatment immediately if signs of infection are present.
Take a break from running while the toe heals to avoid worsening the condition. When it clears up, you can run again, but follow the prevention tips to avoid another ingrown toenail.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Deiboldt at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Care for ingrown toenails today by calling the office or requesting one on our website.
