Tips to Relieve Toe Nail Pain

Poorly fitting footwear, ingrown toenails, fungal infection and injuries can be some of the reasons for toenail pain. Arthritis and certain medical conditions can also be the reason.

Most of such issues can usually be resolved through the use of proper footwear, homemade remedies and over-the-counter medications. Here is what could be causing you toenail pain and what can be done for it.

Footwear-related Issues

When you are experiencing toenail pain, improper footwear is often the culprit. It is also one of the easiest to correct. Footwear that doesn’t have enough room and is placing too much pressure on your toes is usually problematic. High heels, such as stilettos, put pressure on your feet.

It is advisable to wear shoes with a low heel, particularly when you are experiencing pain because of it. If you continue to overlook and wear the same footwear, it can turn into a condition known as bunion. For bunion, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Foot and Toenail Fungus

A fungal infection, from fungus known as Tinea Pedis, can lead to toenail pain. It is also commonly referred to as an athlete's foot. This infection is characterised by fungal growth that appears between the toes and pain.

To relieve pain caused by athlete's foot, consider soaking the foot in a mixture of water and vinegar (one-fourth part). This should be done twice a day for at least a week or until the signs of fungus disappear. Prevent athlete’s foot by avoiding walking barefeet in public locations and keeping footwear dry.

Ingrown Toenail

Using a rounded edge when clipping the nail located on the big toe, you may get an ingrown toenail. The corner of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. Improper footwear can exacerbate this problem.

You may treat ingrown toenail by soaking your foot in a blend of warm water and Epsom salts for about 10 minutes. This will help soften the skin and you can later pry the skin away when it dries. The use of antiseptic ointment is also advised to ensure the area does not become infected. Prevent the problem in the future by cutting nails straight across rather than in a rounded way and wearing shoes that fit properly.

Foot Injuries

Foot injuries are common in athletes. It appears like bruising of the toenail or even loosening of the nail from the nail bed. Footwears that are tight can cause the problem. If changing shoes doesn’t help, consult a doctor to rule out any serious injury.

When toenail pain or injury does not improve, seek medical attention.

(Images:Getty)

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