A Solution for Ingrown Toenails

Do you often get ingrown toenails, and wonder if they are the result of improperly cutting them?

The answer is no; there are many reasons why you may develop an ingrown toenail, the most common of which is an inherited shape of the nail plate. Just as you inherit the color of your eyes and hair from your parents, you also inherit the shape of your nails. Nails can also change shape after an acute injury to the toe, from repetitive chronic shoe irritation, or after a fungal infection.

Once a nail is ingrown, it will not go back to it's original shape regardless of how many times you tear the edges out or cut a "V" in the center of the nail. Since the shape of the nail is determined by the shape of its matrix (root), there is no "bathroom surgery" that will permanently correct this problem. Many people are able to manage this condition with careful regular trimmings; however, the acute symptoms of pain, redness, swelling and drainage usually occur at the most inopportune time; before an important athletic event, dance recital or a vacation. This condition can become especially urgent for diabetic patients as it can lead to cellulitis (an infection spreading into the foot) if left untreated.

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The good news is, you do not have to suffer with this nagging condition for the rest of your life! There is a corrective procedure available that can permanently change the shape of the nail plate to prevent recurrence of ingrown toenails. This Permanent Nail Correction is typically an outpatient procedure, done in the office under local anesthesia, and it is a wonderful treatment option for patients suffering from chronic ingrown toenails. 

The procedure involves removing the offending nail border down to the level of the matrix and applying medication on the exposed matrix to prevent regrowth of that piece of the nail plate. The post-op care involves twice daily bandage changes for the first week, followed by daily bandage changes until the site is healed at about 2-3 weeks. Patients are usually able to resume their normal daily activities the following day, but may need to curtail exercise activities during the first week. A follow up appointment is scheduled at two weeks to evaluate the healing of the surgical site and to provide additional instructions.

If annoying and painful ingrown toenails are a common occurrence for you, consider discussing a Permanent Nail Correction with your podiatrist!

Does the Shoe Fit?

With the beginning of the New Year, many people are making resolutions to get healthier and exercise more frequently.  One of the most important things to be aware of when beginning an exercise regimen is how well your athletic shoes fit. Proper fitting shoes are vital to the health of your feet!

Athletic shoes should be replaced yearly, as support within the shoe is lost with frequent wearing. You should also choose the appropriate type of shoe based on what type of arch you have. Not sure? A great way to tell is the “wet foot test”.  By dipping your foot in a bucket of water and putting it down on concrete or paper, you will be able to see what type of arch you have, and this determines the type of athletic shoe that is best for you!

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Typically, a foot with a high arch will have a similar footprint to this. Notice the cut out where the arch is? That’s because it doesn't touch the ground when you put your foot down. You need extra support and cushion in that area to avoid foot pain!

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A neutral footprint will look similar to this. The curve for the arch is clearly defined, and this foot type can generally wear most types of shoes. Supports may still be useful to avoid foot pain.

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A foot with a low arch is typically referred to as a “flat foot” and will look similar to this. Notice how the arch is not clearly defined? Shoes with increased support and stability will minimize over-pronation (the foot rolling inwards due to lack of support) which can lead to injury and foot pain. 

Now that you know your foot shape, it's time to choose the athletic shoe that is best suited to it. Dr. Bobrowski has put together a list of shoes that are appropriate for each foot type! 

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After you've selected the appropriate athletic shoe for your foot type, it’s time to make sure they fit properly! The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery released a study that suggests that 35% of Americans underestimate their shoe size by a half size, and athletic shoes should be a half size bigger than your regular shoes.

Most shoe stores offer foot measurement when purchasing a pair of shoes. Make sure you are standing when being measured, as your foot is larger when standing. Shop for shoes in the afternoon or near the end of your day, when feet tend to be the largest.

Now that you have well fitting, supportive shoes, this can be the year you keep those awesome resolutions!

Written by: Ashley LaPorte

Reviewed by: Dr. Bobrowski