Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnates, are one the most common foot problems when it comes to children. This painful condition occurs when the sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of the toe.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails Include:
• Pain
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Extra skin and tissue will grow around the sharp point of the nail
• Yellowish discharge
But there is a simple solution to avoiding this painful problem – better shoes. Avoiding tight shoes and socks is the first step to avoiding ingrown toenails. Below are a few additional tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons:
Toenail Trimming: Teach children how to trim their toenails properly – in a fairly straight line without cutting them too short – and explain the importance of doing this regularly. It is up to you, the parent, to instill these values in your child.
Does the Shoe Fit? Remember that shoe width is more important than length.
Talk to Your Child: Many children hide their ingrown toenails from their parents.
If your child develops an ingrown toenail, reduce the inflammation by soaking the foot in water (room temperature) and gently massaging the side of the nail fold. Then call a podiatrist. In the end, the only way to properly treat an ingrown toenail is through a minor medical procedure.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can progress to an infection or abscess. So if you feel your child may be suffering from an ingrown toenail, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible.
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From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.
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