Shoe Choice and Ingrown Toenails

Soccer enthusiasts in Wichita can satisfy their competitive urges, or simply have a good time with friends, by participating in rec leagues at The Sports Zone. Their facility hosts men’s, women’s, and coed soccer leagues for participants of all ages and skill levels. When combined with regular exercise (to help prevent Achilles tendinitis), soccer can be a fun way to contribute to your overall health and wellness.

It is important to be careful when you buy your soccer shoes, though. A tight pair can potentially lead to ingrown toenails and take away your enjoyment of playing the game.

Of course, soccer is not the only area where a connection exists between shoe choice and ingrown toenails. No matter the style, excessively tight footwear squashes toes together in the front and creates a situation that is one of the more common causes of ingrown toenails.

In order to reduce your risk for this condition, always be sure to pick out footwear that has enough room in the front so toes can wiggle. In addition to room on the sides, there should also be approximately a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Additionally, wearing roomier shoes can help reduce discomfort from an existing ingrown toenail by not subjecting it to excess pressure.

Besides tight shoes, another common cause of ingrown toenails is physical trauma. Footwear can still play a role in preventing the condition in this context. If your job requires you to carry or move heavy items on a frequent basis, you can help keep your feet safe by choosing to wear steel-toed work boots or safety shoes. Some employers make this a requirement and employees don’t have much say in the matter, but if you work in an environment where your feet are at risk for having something heavy fall on them, you would benefit from picking up protective footwear.

Footwear can play a big role when it comes to ingrown toenails, but so too can having a podiatrist who provides exceptional treatment for existing cases. If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing the pain and discomfort that comes from an ingrown nail, contact The Kansas Foot Center and schedule an appointment with any of our four Kansas offices. Come see us in Wichita, Emporia, or Newton, KS by calling (866) 222-5177 or scheduling your appointment online today.