Spring soccer season will soon be in full swing; don’t let your child be sidelined by toe pain. Tight or hand-me-down cleats combined with repetitive kicking can lead to painful ingrown toenails. It’s a common condition among all age groups, especially children. A nail becomes ingrown when its corners or sides grow into the skin of the toe, causing discomfort, redness, swelling and sometimes infection.

While tight shoes or socks and incorrect nail trimming are the usually cause of ingrown toenails, sometimes children inherit the tendency for nails to curve. You can help prevent this painful condition by following a few simple tips:

• Make sure children’s sports and day-to-day shoes fit properly. Improper shoe width often contributes to ingrown toenails. It is important for the widest part of the shoe to match the widest part of your child’s foot.
• Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not cut too short.
• Make it a habit to check your children’s feet starting at a young age. Oftentimes kids hide their foot pain from their parents.

If your child develops an ingrown nail, the only permanent cure is with a minor procedure performed at our office. Don’t ever try to dig the nail out or cut it off yourself. These dangerous “bathroom surgeries” carry a high risk for infection.

As always, we are here to provide care for your entire family. If you have questions about your child’s feet, don’t hesitate to contact our office.