Physical movement places pressure on your feet and toes, which can cause many different issues with your feet. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons for toe pain, and they usually form because of excessive pressure placed on the corners or sides of your toes. This pressure can come from different sources, but the end result is generally pretty consistent: the nail grows into the skin of the toe and causes severe, stabbing pain. While nobody is immune to developing an ingrown toenail, some people are at a higher risk. To prevent your child from developing an ingrown toenail, you should first understand why they are at risk for ingrown toenails.

While children aren’t at any inherent increased risk of developing an ingrown, there are some reasons to take an abundance of caution. For example, children tend to participate in sports and physical activity at a higher rate than adults. Even if your child doesn’t participate in sports, they likely will still be more physically active and energetic than as an adult. 

Children also tend to wear ill fitting shoes more frequently because of the growth of their feet. Make sure that your child doesn’t wear shoes that are too small for them. The increased pressure on their toes will make them likely to develop an ingrown toenail. It is better for your child to wear loose fitting shoes and grow into them than for them to wear shoes that restrict their toes. This is especially true when your child is very physically active. If you or any of your children have developed an ingrown toenail, it is important to be seen by a licensed podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, give us a call at (424)-299-4627 or visit our website for more information.