An ingrown toenail is a very serious problem that results in much pain and discomfort to the people who are affected by it. Amongst the actual trigger factors for this problem is misuse through the wear of unsuitable shoes. In short, any kind of footwear that exerts pressure on the toes.
Wearing the wrong footwear for long periods of time can not only cause ingrown toenails but also exacerbate the issue. To prevent such issues, choosing the right footwear is critical, and Pro Foot Doctors is here to guide you on the issue and the impact of the right footwear on maintaining foot health.
When Does Footwear Lead To Ingrown Toenails?
Improper footwear does not merely mean footwear that is too tight. There are several ways in which a pair of footwear can be described as improper for someone and lead to ingrown toenails. Some key reasons behind this can be as follows:
Narrow Shoes
Wearing shoes that are very tight or narrow is the leading cause of ingrown toenails due to footwear choices. It adds pressure on growing toenails, forcing them to penetrate the skin.
Incorrect Shoes
It is also caused by wearing the wrong kind of shoes for the kind of activities we intend to involve ourselves in. For example, if you wanted to spend your time exercising, one of the critical recommendations is to get the right shoes to avoid injuring the toenails and therefore ending up with ingrown toenails.
What Factors To Look For When Choosing The Right Footwear?
If you are wondering what kind of footwear is suitable to avoid the issue of ingrown toenails, Pro Foot Doctors recommends looking for the following features in shoes that you buy:
Suitable Materials
Materials that have higher breathability should be given priority when buying shoes. Certainly, mesh and leather are the best since a lot of air can circulate through these materials and, therefore, prevent the accumulation of moisture.
This is beneficial in preventing an aggregation of infections, especially fungal ones, hence reducing the chances of getting or worsening ingrown toenails. If you cannot find shoes that are fully made of these materials, choose ones that have a substantial mesh or leather component.
Broad Toe Box
Shoes which have a broad toe box which is amply deep, must be preferred over those that are narrow. Pressure or compression on the toes must be avoided in order to reduce chances of developing or even exacerbating our ingrown toenails.
Wearing narrow-toed shoes causes the toenails to cut into the skin and results in increased pain and discomfort in one’s feet.
Substantial Cushioning and Support
For healthier feet, it is important for the right type of shoes to find insoles to fit your feet every time.. This helps in ensuring that the toes are not under any kind of excessive and unnecessary pressure which can lead to ingrown toenails.
When buying footwear, try them on to assess whether they have proper cushioning or not. This helps in absorbing all the shock from movement, thereby making usage more comfortable. If it is required then, search for properly fit customized shoes that provide proper support and accurate alignment for feet.
Arch Support
One feature of shoes that users tend to ignore is arch support. But this is a very important element that one should look for. When your shoes provide substantial arch support, they help in an even and uniform distribution of your weight.
Arch support means that your toes will not be solely responsible for supporting the entire body weight. This alleviates excess tension from the toes and helps in preventing ingrown nails or worsening of the condition if you already have it.
From these factors, one has to understand how picking the right footwear can help avoid having to deal with ingrown toenails.
Shoes Which Are Best For Your Feet
Try to wear the following kinds of footwear and avoid ill-fitted shoes for foot traumatization again:
Sports Shoes
These types of shoes include running shoes and walking shoes, which are greatly recommended to avoid the development of ingrown toenails. If you can, wear them throughout the day as you move around, because these have supportive insoles and comfortable cushioning to reduce the amount of pressure put on the toes. It is preferred to choose brands that are often associated with great performance, and in cases where none are available, then order for customized ones.
Casual-wear Shoes
It is imperative to know that it is literally impossible to put on running or walking shoes throughout. However, this does not have to imply that your casual or even formal occasion shoes should be uncomfortable.
You can easily wear loafers, oxfords, or even heels, but make sure you follow these principles:
When buying loafers, opt for those that have a round toe box. This offers more room than the pointed-edge ones. Additionally, look for options that have good cushioning.
While purchasing heels, one should try to select heels that are as low as possible, and if the probability of selecting between a chunky or a platform heel and a slim, pencil-thin heel, one would do better with the latter.
At the same claw, ensure that they are not of a closed type that tends to push her toes together. Rather, look for those that are open-toed. Oxfords must also be purchased with the same principles. Look for wider toe boxes and comfortable insoles in order to boost foot health.
These basic principles will help you ensure that your shoes are comfortable to wear whether you need to wear them for short periods of time or for very long periods. They will also ensure that your foot and toes remain in top shape, and the chances of developing ingrown toenails is minimized.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails are a big challenge for a lot of people, and when it happens repeatedly or in other extreme cases, it can lead to the need for surgery. To avoid such complications, it is important to locate the right shoes and also to have a healthy foot by consulting podiatrists such as Pro Foot Doctors. We will assist in the evaluation of your foot health and usual care of the parts as well as the type of shoes that are appropriate if you are to enjoy healthy feet.
