Prevent A Common Childhood Foot Problem

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Prevent A Common Childhood Foot Problem

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/129889.php

Parents can help prevent a common and painful foot problem in

children by following a few simple tips, according to the American

College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

Foot and ankle surgeons say ingrown toenails

(http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/ingrown-toenail.htm) are

a common condition they treat in children. The doctors blame tight

shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming for most cases. In

other cases, children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve,

according to http://www.FootPhysicians.com.

Surgeons say many kids hide their ingrown toenails from their

parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. Over

time, the nail may break the skin and lead to dangerous infections.

The ACFAS gives these recommendations to help parents prevent ingrown

toenails in their children.

Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in

a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short.

Make sure children's shoes fit. Shoe width is more important than

length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the widest

part of your child's foot.

If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, parents can reduce the

inflammation by soaking the child's foot in room-temperature water

and gently massaging the side of the nail fold.

The only proper way to treat a child's ingrown toenail is with a

minor surgical procedure at a doctor's office. Parents should never

try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous " bathroom

surgeries " carry a high risk for infection. Doctors may prescribe

antibiotics to children with infected ingrown toenails.