Don't Forget About Your Feet This Winter

Don't Forget About Your Feet This Winter

Thick socks, warm boots, and fuzzy slippers keep our feet protected from the elements during these cold winter months. Though they may protect your feet from frostbite and snow; your socks, boots, and slippers won't ward off ingrown toenails, fungus, blisters, or heel pain. It's easier to remember to take care of your toes when you're wearing flip flops and walking barefoot in the grass, but they don't cease to exist just because you're wearing thick socks.

Markham Foot Care Clinic can treat foot problems all year round; one of the things you should watch for the most during the winter is ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can be brought on by tight-fitting socks and shoes along with poor trimming habits. Remember to cut your toenails straight across; the corners of your toes are what dig into the tender skin on either side of your toenail and become enflammed and painful.

You can also fight off ingrown toenails by soaking your feet in warm, soapy water whenever you get a chance, recommended 2-3 times a day. This softens the toenails while cleaning your feet which prevents infection and fungus. If you feel comfortable, you can also try to peel up a corner of the toenail when the nail is soft to encourage growth above the skin.

If an ingrown toenail becomes severe, surgery may be required which includes cutting out the section of toenail that's become ingrown. If you're concerned that you may have a severely ingrown toenail, call our office to schedule an appointment.

Related Articles:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ingrown-toenails/DS00111/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001237.htm

http://www.fitsugar.com/How-Prevent-Treat-Ingrown-Toenails-2417170