Ingrown toenail - ouch !

[Gillma]

I think this is also known as runners’ toe and my toe and me know it really hurts particularly when I bang it or someone steps on it. It’s not terrible (yet) - but does anyone have any experience / tips on treating / avoiding ingrown toenails? It’s not putting me off running though. But I can see it could create problems in the future. I have seen two podiatrists but no improvement.

[Theziggy]

Hmm. I have a sore toe that feels ingrown, but my big toenails haven't grown upwards for well over a year, the rest of my little toenails grow fine but not my big ones. If it is bad, you may get your GP to surgically remove the toenail - it will grow again.

[Gillma in reply to Theziggy]

Thanks for reply Theziggy . I am now concerned about your toenails not growing! Do they hurt?

[Theziggy in reply to Gillma]

One of them seems to get a bit ingrown Gillma - growing sideways but not up lol. But they are Ok most of the time. I did get an ingrown nail removed many years ago - cured the problem! My GP loved doing the minor op too!

[Gillma in reply to Theziggy]

Very interesting! Thanks Theziggy.

[misswobble Graduate10]

I just know to only trim nails straight across. That’s me done ☺️

You can buy gel toe protectors. I spied them on a rack in a Facebook photo of our local running shop the other day. I know it’s not a cure 🤨 but 🤷‍♀️

It’s a nuisance though. If your podiatrists can’t help you'll just have to see how it goes

Good luck! 🙂👍

[Gillma in reply to misswobble]

Thanks misswobble ! Yes, straight across is good, also filing off sharp bits. I am now trying cider apple vinegar; Epsom salts foot baths; tucking dental floss under the edge that pokes in and just generally more attention than usual with soap, gentle brushing. Quite time consuming. I already have three blackened toenails so I need to change my ways 😏

[misswobble Graduate10]

ACV is good for all. sorts. You can drink it as well as dabbing it on your feet The stuff with the “mother” in it that is.

Epsom salts is good for inflammation and gets at the cuts and nicks, scratches, on us that we pick up on our runs 🙂 They used it in hospitals for baths for new mothers having had stitches, and our medical centre at worked used it as an antiseptic for wounds. I use it in my post run hot 🛀

I’ve lost my right big toe nail twice, and the one next to it several times. in your case losing that big toe nail might be a blessing 🤨

[Gillma in reply to misswobble]

Thanks misswobble - reassuring. Podiatrists offered no advice on self help!

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Gillma]

Please note I claim no medical know-how 😁

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

MrNiceGuy is the one to answer this question. He knows everything about feet!

[Gillma in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes, he is! Have been thinking about him and his foot wisdom

[Sjo40]

I’ve suffered from ingrown toe nails in the past. A nurse once gave me a good tip. Take a really small piece of cotton wool and roll it between your finger and thumb until it’s a tight line then place it under the toe nail. This should stop it from growing into the toe.

[Gillma in reply to Sjo40]

Thanks Sjo40 - I had heard this but had difficulty knowing what was meant and your comment helps.

[MrNiceGuy]

In addition to opting for a trainer with a wide toe box, ensuring that toe nails don't exceed the tip certainly goes a long way towards easing discomfort (think short and neat).

However, while it may be possible to achieve a square cut with smaller nails, with regard to the nails of the big toe, for example, if they don't grow straight, cutting straight across will simply result in pain and discomfort once they begin to grow back.

Depending upon which nails are troubling you, I'd suggest trimming them to loosely follow the shape of your toe tip. If there's a slight curve at nail edge, seek to maintain it, without trimming the edges too severely.

My big toe nails on either foot grow outwards, so I ensure that a lightly slightly curved finish is achieved when trimming and filing, whereas all the other nails grow more or less straight, allowing them to be trimmed straight across.

Additionally, when trimming your nails, try to leave 1-2mm of white nail behind. While short and neat is advised (for running), trimming them too severely can create just as many problems.

If the skin at the edge of your nails is inflamed, in addition to soaking your feet in ACV (always recommended to help maintain happy, healthy feet), regularly apply coconut oil afterwards, since it possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.

However, remain mindful of how frequently your feet soak in ACV, since the acetic acid contained essentially acts a mild chemical peel. Coconut oil, however, can be applied daily since it continually nourishes and conditions the skin (think of it as food for your feet).

[Gillma in reply to MrNiceGuy]

Thanks very much MrNiceGuy - I will try all you suggest.