Ingrown toenails can affect anyone of any age, occupation, or activity level. However, physical activity and sports can put pressure on your toenails, and increase the chance of a nail becoming ingrown. This is especially true when a physical activity requires tight shoes, like running shoes. An athlete with an ingrown toenail will often experience more pain than others. Dynamic activities like jumping and sprinting can push on the ingrown nail, and cause intense pain and worsening of the condition. Athletes with ingrown toenails therefore need immediate attention.
The first step for an athlete with an ingrown toenail is to make sure that it doesn’t get worse. Make sure to wear proper fitting shoes with wide toes, avoid socks that are too tight, and take care when trimming the nails. Additionally, it may be wise for to stop or adjust sports activity accordingly until the ingrown is gone.
Home remedies like epsom salt baths can be effective if you are an athlete who has just noticed an ingrown toenail. However, if the condition of the nail doesn’t improve, an athlete with an ingrown toenail should be advised to seek treatment from a doctor who can provide a professional opinion for treatment. If the condition is bad or the nail is infected, the doctor may recommend to have it medically removed. This treatment may require some time off of sports activity. To avoid time off of training, a persistent or bad ingrown should receive immediate medical attention.
After an athlete with an ingrown toenail receives treatment, preventative measures should be taken to prevent recurrence. Well fitting shoes should be worn during sports, and other shoes should be loose if possible. If you are experiencing signs of an ingrown nail, give us a call at (424) 299 4627 to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed podiatrists at one of our over 130 locations.