Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented in Children?
Ingrown Toenails in Childhood
Research has shown the importance of practicing proper foot care beginning in the childhood years. The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and strong, healthy feet are important to have and maintain as the aging process occurs. It is beneficial to measure the child’s foot approximately every three months, which is helpful in determining the correct shoe size. When shoes are purchased, it is important to ensure that there is adequate room for the toes to move freely. When the toenails are trimmed, ingrown toenails may be prevented by cutting toenails straight across. If you would like additional information about teaching proper foot care to children, please confer with a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sahara Ave and Springs Rd in Las Vegas, and Henderson, NV. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for ingrown toenails as well as all your foot care needs.
