Toenail Growth: How Long It Takes For A Toenail To Grow Back

April 12, 2021

Chances are you, or someone you know has lost a toenail at some point. Whether it was from sports or a falling object, detached toenails are quite common. Other than the obvious yuck factor, there are typically few ill effects.

But, that’s not always the case. In this article, we explain the various reasons your toenails might fall off, how to treat a fully- or semi-detached toenail, and how long it actually takes for a toenail to grow back.

Toenails are thickened extensions of the top layer of our skin. Like our skin, toenails are made of keratin, a type of protective protein that is less prone to scratching or tearing than other cell types our body produces. Keratin is particularly tough.

As the cover to your nail bed, toenails are put under a great deal of stress. Everyday pressures include rubbing against your shoes, a stubbed toe, the presence of bacteria and fungi, and being your toe’s protector against falling objects. These types of situations can damage the toenail, sometimes to the point of it falling off completely.

Not only does a nail expose the nail bed below, but it can also be painful, and difficult to ensure a toenail properly grows back in the place of the lost nail. Next, we break down why your toenails fall off in the first place, the rate of toenail growth, as well as some tips and tricks for healthy nail growth.

Why did my toenail fall off?

There are a variety of reasons why your toenail falls off. The most common cause is injury or trauma, but we break it all down below:

Injury
- Trauma can cause the nail to pry away from the nail bed, like when it’s hit or jammed.
- Severe or repetitive toe stubbing/rubbing may cause a toenail to detach. This is also common in athletes who wear shoes that aren’t roomy enough. Similarly, long-distance runners (marathoners and/or ultrarunners) and trail runners are particularly susceptible to black – and ultimately detached – toenails. In fact, you may come across athletes with multiple missing toenails.
Fungal nail infection, which occurs when fungi invade a fingernail or toenail and the skin underneath the nail. Symptoms include cracked, yellow, discoloured, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails.
Skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Acetone nail polish removers or some soaps.
Chemotherapy or antimalarial medicines.
Severe illnesses.

What’s a black toenail?

A black toenail is usually caused by direct trauma to the toenail. Trauma can include dropping an object on your foot, or repetitive trauma to the area like running long distances. Minor trauma, occurring over a longer period of time, can result in black/purple toenails as well. For instance, wearing ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on your big toe can damage your toenail.

The actual colour of the toenail is caused by the trauma beneath the toenail. As the area below the toenail is damaged and begins to bleed, the area darkens resulting in a black/purple toenail.

Toenails can turn black, but they can also become discoloured in other shades, which can be a symptom of a variety of foot conditions. The most common symptoms of a discoloured toenail include:

Yellow Toenail
Toenail fungus is the primary cause of yellow toenails. Additionally, thicker nails can cause a yellow colour as the disruption of light passage through the nail alters the look.

Green Toenail
Green nail syndrome (GNS) is a toenail infection caused by bacteria, not fungus. GNS is usually confined to a single toenail, but bacteria can be passed over from an adjacent toenail if it’s damaged or affected.

Blue Toenail
In very rare cases, your toenail maybe blue. This is called a cellular blue nevus, which can become cancerous.

How long will it take for my toenail to grow back?

After a nail separates from the nail bed, it will not reattach, so don’t try. In its place, a new nail will have to grow back. Toenail growth can be slow; toenails can take up to 18 months (1.5 years) to grow back.

Is there anything I can do to make my toenail grow back faster?

Absolutely. Although there’s no single sure-fire way to encourage faster toenail growth, there are lots you can do to encourage a healthy toenail to grow back in the place of your lost partner. Here are some simple at-home remedies for ensuring your nail has the best chance at growing back:

Soak your foot in a combination of 1 tsp (5 g) of salt and 4 cups (1 L) of warm water for 20 minutes, 2 or 3 times each day, for the first 3 days after you lose your toenail. Cover with a fresh bandage.
Ensure the nail bed is kept dry and clean until the nail bed is firm and you see signs of the nail growing back.
Watch for signs of infection such as increased heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
Remove any artificial nail if it begins to separate from the nail bed. Leaving it on can tear the nail bed.
If you trim off the detached nail, you reduce the chance of nail catching and tearing. If part of your toenail has completely fallen off, don’t remove the remaining nail. However, if there is still a piece of toenail attached, carefully trim it using toenail clippers.
Take biotin supplements. Biotin aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for toenail growth.
Use nail hardeners. Nail softness makes nails more prone to breaking, which increases the need for nail regrowth.

Toenail trouble? We’ve got you covered!

We’re confident in our ability to help inform you and solve your concern with the least amount of discomfort possible. Call us to ask your question(s) and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

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Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

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May 29, 2023

Running with Ingrown Toenails: How to Manage Discomfort and Avoid Infection

Ingrown toenails are the most common nail problem. And with toenails being put under pressure when running, combining the two can be challenging, but not totally out of the question. Although running with ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of infection, it is doable. There are steps you can take to manage the discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. This article discusses tips on managing the pain associated with running with an ingrown toenail and ways to prevent infection. Don't let an ingrown toenail stop you from your running routine; read on to learn more! Can I run with an ingrown toenail? Yes. If the ingrown toenail is mild, and you take the proper precautions, you can safely run. The key is to manage discomfort and do your best to reduce the risk of complications or infection. However, there is a difference between whether you can run versus should run, and you should weigh the pros and cons outlined below. First, it's important to note that running with an ingrown toenail can worsen the condition and increase the risk of complications. If the pain is severe or you experience signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately. If the ingrown toenails worsen, see a chiropodist or other healthcare professional. They may recommend antibiotics, specialized treatment or surgery to remove part of the affected nail. How to manage discomfort when running with an ingrown toenail To enjoy running with ingrown toenails, you must take steps to control the discomfort, reduce the risk of complications and keep the pain at bay. Here are some tips: Monitor pain and symptoms: There's no denying that physical activity can aggravate ingrown toenails. Sports with ground forces due to athletic activity, obesity or constricting footwear aid overlapping lateral nail fold penetration. Trim the toenail properly: If the ingrown toenail is mild, you can trim it yourself. Use a clean pair of nail clippers and cut the nail straight across without rounding the edges. Cutting straight across prevents the nail from growing into the adjacent skin. If your ingrown toenail is more persistent, inflamed or painful, you should see a chiropodist for treatment to prevent any risks and complications. Trim the toenail using toenail clippers: Avoid using fingernail clippers for your toenails. The strength and thickness of our toenails demand a more rigid tool to trim effectively. Wear proper shoes: Wear shoes that fit correctly and provide enough room for your toes to move freely. Tight or narrow shoes can crowd the toes and increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Take pain medication: Pain relievers can help to manage the discomfort associated with ingrown toenails. See a chiropodist for professional treatment: If your ingrown toenail is painful, inflamed, or has persisted for a long time, you should book an appointment with a chiropodist to have it properly and safely treated. This will reduce the risk of infection and allow you to resume running pain-free. How to avoid infection when running with an ingrown toenail? To prevent your ingrown toenail from worsening while running, taking the proper measures to avoid infection is vital. You can take steps to manage the discomfort and reduce the risk of complications when running with ingrown toenails. Here are some tips: Keep the affected toenail clean: Wash the affected toe with soap and water daily, and keep it dry. A clean and dry site will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Apply topical treatments: You can use over-the-counter antiseptic or antibiotic ointments to the affected area to help prevent infection. Use clean toenail clippers (and maybe one from our top picks): Don't use someone else's nail clippers; clean them off before use. Bacteria are invisible to the eye, so be safe with what you put your feet in contact with. For instance, you wouldn't want to risk catching the fungus that causes athlete's foot. Apply a bandage over the ingrown toenail: Once you've cleaned the affected toenail, apply a bandage over the toenail before starting your run. This will help prevent any outside bacteria from penetrating the nail and surrounding skin.

May 15, 2023

How to Prevent and Treat Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can look harmless but can be pretty painful. What starts as abnormal nail growth can quickly turn into a full-blown ingrown toenail. When the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, you'll experience pain, swelling, and redness. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen and possibly lead to infection. We're here to help prevent that from happening. In this guide, you'll learn more about how to prevent and treat ingrown toenails. How to prevent ingrown toenails Prevention of ingrown toenails goes hand-in-hand with proper foot and toenail hygiene. Healthy nails are not just for show; they're a critical part of our feet. Trim your toenails straight across. The safest and most effective method to prevent ingrown toenails is to cut your toenails carefully. We recommend cutting your toenails straight across and avoiding clipping the corners to round them off. Use a high-quality toenail clipper, one sturdy enough to handle the toughness of toenails (rather than using tools meant for fingernails). Avoid cutting them too short, as the surrounding skin may grow over the nail. If you're ever in doubt about a proper toenail routine or how to cut your nails, book a medical pedicure so a foot specialist can eliminate the risk. Keep toenails at a moderate length. Trim toenails so they're in line with the tips of your toes as if you were to draw a straight line. Toenails cut too short may adversely affect the nail when you wear shoes. Pay close attention to any loose or jagged edges and those that can get caught and damage your nail. Wear suitable footwear Wear shoes that fit correctly and do not squeeze your toes together. Avoid shoes with a narrow-toe box. Tight shoes can force your toes together, putting your nail at risk of digging into the surrounding skin. Practice good foot hygiene. Foot hygiene involves a multi-faceted routine. Keep your feet clean and dry when possible. Regularly check your feet for any abnormalities or irregularities. And finally, book annual foot check-ups. Regular foot assessments are beneficial if you have diabetes or any other condition where you may be more vulnerable to foot issues. How to treat ingrown toenails Treatment of ingrown toenails typically comprises at-home treatment and professional treatment. There is more to risk by trying to treat ingrown toenails entirely by yourself, but at-home methods can help relieve pain and preserve the nail while waiting for an appointment at a foot clinic. Generally, we do not recommend cutting the toenail yourself, as it may exacerbate the issue. Instead, try the following: At-home treatment of ingrown toenails Soak your feet in Epsom salt water to help soothe pain and discomfort. After soaking, gently massage the area around the ingrown toenail to help relieve pain and pressure. Routinely clean the area of pus and blood, if needed. Apply sparing amounts of Polysporin ointment and cover with a bandage when going out. Wear shoes with a broader toe to accommodate added space in your footwear, thus reducing the pressure on the toes. Avoid or reduce physical activity if such activity impacts your feet and toes. Take pain relief medication as needed or as your doctor recommends to help control pain and discomfort. Apply an antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide, to the affected area to prevent infection. Professional treatment of ingrown toenails Next, a professional can effectively treat ingrown toenails by doing the following: Proper toenail care and trimming: A chiropodist can properly trim and cut your toenails in a way that promotes proper nail growth. Proper nail trims both treat existing ingrown toenails and can prevent them from occurring in the future. Softening the skin, lifting the edge of the nail from the skin, and then propping the corner of the nail up over the skin edge until the skin heals. Oral and topical antibiotics to prevent or heal the infection. Safely lancing and draining pockets of pus (the toe is numbed first with a local anesthetic). Applying a specially formulated composite material called Onyfix. It serves as a corrective brace for the nail's growth and can be used to treat recurrent ingrown toenails. In more severe cases, surgery may be performed. This can can involve removing a narrow strip down the length of the toenail (partial nail avulsion (PNA), or removing the entire toenail (total nail avulsion (TNA). These procedures may be performed if more conservative, non-surgical treatments don't work. Phenol can be applied to the nail's root beneath the cuticle to prevent regrowth. The method inhibits nail growth following PNA or TNA. All treatments from a chiropodist use medical-grade products and a fresh set of sterilized instruments for each client. The sterilization process used by chiropodists will remove and kill all microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores. We also thoroughly cleanse your feet with an alcohol solution at the beginning of every appointment.

May 4, 2023

Top 10 Tips for Preventing Foot Injuries During Exercise

Why do foot injuries during exercise occur? The answer to this question is, essentially, several reasons. Everyone can hurt themselves while working out by neglecting proper footwear, forgetting their stretching, overexertion, and more. Since your feet are the foundation of all physical activity, paying attention to foot health and injury prevention are the best ways to continue your fitness routines without interruption. Let's take a look at how to do that. Top 10 Tips for Preventing Foot Injuries During Exercise Wear proper footwear Stretch Modify Don't overexert yourself Remember your form Start slow Improve flexibility Eat a balanced diet Take rest days Drink water Wear Proper Footwear Exercising while wearing low-quality, unsupportive footwear is a recipe for disaster. One of the best ways to avoid sports-related injuries is wearing the right footwear, which may include: Shoes: Your shoes should be well-cushioned, as this will absorb the force of the ground during footstrike. This is especially true for runners or athletes who run while performing, but it is also an important quality for light activity. By acting as a barrier between your foot and the ground, cushioning can prevent injury to the lower limbs. Furthermore, a study from the Journal of Athletic Training notes that good shoes function as the main "interface" between the person and the impact from the ground. Additionally, depending on your pronation type, stability and motion control shoes may help stabilize your movements and prevent ankle injuries. Custom orthotics: In the podiatry and chiropody field, specialists often recommend orthotics to those already experiencing an overuse injury, like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, to prevent it from worsening. Orthotics also prevent all types of injuries by distributing your weight evenly, aligning and stabilizing your movements, and absorbing shock. To learn about the different orthotic types, you can check out our complete guide. Superfeet insoles: These over-the-counter insoles are available at Feet First Clinic and are a more affordable alternative to custom insoles. According to their FAQ page, they may help prevent common foot and lower leg injuries like shin splits, plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral pain, Achilles tendonitis, and IT band syndrome. Stretch You should warm up for physical activity by performing stretches and exercises targeting different muscle groups. You should also cool down after a workout by stretching. People stretch because it expands the muscle fibres, making them stronger and more pliable (and thus less prone to injury!). Prevent foot injuries during exercise by checking out these stretching articles: Dynamic Stretching The Perfect Stretching Routine Modify Both athletes and those with mobility issues should understand the importance of modifying fitness routines. When you try a new workout, you may find it too challenging to complete the first time. And if you ignore this and push it, you can easily hurt yourself. It is extra important to modify your routine if you notice pain or discomfort, which is quite different from "feeling the burn" or being tired from exercise. The best thing to do in these scenarios is modify your workout and practice gradual progression, which helps your body adapt to different intensity levels. You can modify workouts by reducing weights, slowing down, sitting down instead of standing, reducing impact levels, and resting for longer periods. There are also easier versions of several exercises, like modified push-ups or modified planks. Don't Overexert Yourself It's always amazing to see what our bodies are capable of, but there is a clear difference between a successful workout and overexertion. When you put too much pressure on your feet, you can easily experience a stress fracture, which is a tiny crack(s) in the foot's bones, as a result of increasing activity levels too quickly or working out for too long without a break. Overexertion can also lead to ankle sprains and common overuse injuries. Remember Your Form Proper form keeps you from putting physical stress on the wrong muscle groups. Likewise, it helps you activate the appropriate muscles and prevents overuse injuries. For example, if you perform a squat but neglect proper form, you can put too much stress on your feet without engaging the glutes and hamstrings (the target muscles). Good form also aligns your body correctly, which consistently protects your joints. Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels Start Slow This goes without saying, but if you've never exercised consistently before, you don't want to start with intense routines or complicated sports you don't fully understand. Not only does "starting big" pose a high injury risk, but if you don't do as well as you'd hoped, it can hurt your confidence and stop you from exercising in the future. Instead, start your new healthy lifestyle with beginner-level workouts at the gym, home, or outside. Improve Flexibility When you focus on flexibility, your range of motion will improve over time, lessening your risk of sustaining a foot injury. Flexibility can also promote good posture, which helps you maintain proper form and align your lower body, thereby reducing the stress on your feet. Flexibility can also boost blood circulation because flexible muscles are better at receiving oxygen and other nutrients. This helps you heal from mild aches and pains and prevents future injury. Prevent foot injuries during exercise by working on flexibility: Top 5 Best Flexibility Stretches Eat a Balanced Diet Eating a nutrient-rich diet and avoiding overeating will help you maintain a healthy weight. Unfortunately, excess weight puts too much pressure on your feet and lower legs, making your body's foundation much less sturdy than it should be. Unhealthy foods can also cause inflammation, leading to muscle soreness and joint pain, which can flare up during exercise, distract you, and cause an injury. Furthermore, overeating sugar and processed foods can make you suddenly feel lethargic during an activity. This can make you lose focus and sustain an injury. Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels Take Rest Days Resting for a day or two during the week can reduce inflammation and muscle fatigue in time for your next workout, but the main purpose of rest days is to give your body time to repair and replenish energy stores. When you ignore this advice and try to exercise every day of the week, you can easily worsen the aches and pains you're already feeling or simply burn out. This will make you give up on exercise, cause you to lose focus and hurt yourself, or put you at risk of developing an overuse injury. Drink Water Dehydration can easily sneak up on us, and you can experience mild dehydration after forgetting to drink enough water for a few days. Proper hydration helps prevent sudden muscle cramps. These can feel alarming during exercise and cause you to experience a sudden fall. Furthermore, hydration helps to regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable and focused during physical activity. Drinking enough water also helps with the elasticity in the foot's tissues, which may become dry and stiff when you don't drink water. This reduces your risk of sustaining a stress fracture or developing Achilles tendonitis.

May 1, 2023

The Benefits of Medical Pedicures

Medical pedicures can significantly enhance and supplement your overall foot care routine. Think of a medical pedicure as a way to relax while having your feet inspected and relieved of pain. By working with a licensed chiropodist or foot care professional, you can ensure your feet receive the care they need to stay healthy and pain-free. Medical pedicures perform double duty in that they're a blend of foot care and nail care, combined with the foot care benefits provided by chiropodists. This article covers how a medical pedicure can benefit you and your feet. 1. Improved foot health First and foremost, a medical pedicure can serve as both a treatment and a preventative method for common foot problems. During a medical pedicure, any number of the following can be prevented or treated: Diabetes-related foot complications Calluses Corns Blisters Cracked Heels Ingrown toenails Athlete's foot Fungal Toenails Discoloured Toenails Cracked toenails We recommend routine medical pedicures for patients prone to foot issues or those with diabetes. 2. Reduced risk of infections A medical pedicure can also help prevent you from developing infections in several ways. First, medical pedicures use sterile instruments and follow strict hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Suppose you have any conditions or auto-immune diseases that increase your health risks. A medical pedicure performed by a chiropodist would be safe for you. The second is that leaving certain foot care routines to a foot specialist - like toenail clipping, corn removal, blister care, or callus debridement - takes the unknown out of the equation. Sometimes, leaving treatment to a professional outweighs the risk of doing it yourself at home (and risking mishaps). 3. Pain relief A medical pedicure can relieve pain for people with foot problems, such as corns, calluses or ingrown toenails. A foot care professional can safely treat these conditions, reducing pain and discomfort. Corns and calluses can have some side effects, including altering your gait and could lead to other foot conditions if you're not careful, so it's a good idea not to let these conditions linger. 4. An up-close look at your feet A chiropodist takes a complete medical history for any underlying conditions or concerns you have. Additionally, they thoroughly examine your feet to diagnose unknown issues or conditions that may worsen. A complete picture of the health of your feet is reassuring for your feet's future, and you'll be provided with foot care advice and a treatment plan to keep your feet healthy going forward. 5. Relax and moisturize your feet Beyond preventative and treatable measures, a medical pedicure can be a relaxing experience. In addition to tending to your skin and toenails, chiropodists apply an intense moisturization treatment with high-quality medical strength moisturizing products leaving your feet soft and smooth, stronger, and more elastic. Moisturizing isn't just about soft feet; it strengthens your skin's protective barrier and makes your feet less susceptible to future issues.

April 27, 2023

How to Alleviate Foot Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can alter your life in more ways than one. From cravings to hormones, it's a challenging (yet rewarding) nine months. One of the most frustrating aspects of pregnancy is the foot pain that comes along with it. Let's look at how you can alleviate foot pain during pregnancy while you wait to welcome your little one! How to Alleviate Foot Pain During Pregnancy Change your shoes Wear compression stockings Try orthotics Move (when you can) Practice self-care Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels Change Your Shoes Did you know that your feet can grow in size during pregnancy? As a result, foot pain can occur when you ignore the need to shop for new shoes that accommodate this growth. Thanks to fluid retention and an increase in soft tissues, pregnancy can permanently change the size of your feet. The ligaments in the feet can also change while they try to support excess weight. As a result, your feet may become wider and flatter. To deal with this phenomenon and alleviate foot pain, get a proper shoe fitting or shoe stretching (for certain shoe types) if you notice your footwear is feeling a little too tight. The best shoes for pregnancy should have the following features: Width options Low heels Breathable materials Sufficient toe box room Arch support Cushioning Thick soles Wear Compression Stockings Compression stockings provide gentle pressure to the feet and lower legs during pregnancy. Specifically, they boost blood circulation, alleviating foot pain. Triggering blood flow can also be a preventative measure and stop blood clotting and pooling. Compression socks can also prevent varicose veins, which can be very painful. It's a common myth that compression socks look unflattering or unfashionable; in fact, they look the same as traditional socks and hosiery and come in various colours and styles. To get a pair of compression stockings or hosiery, you can get a prescription from your family doctor. Then simply come to Feet First Clinic to be measured by our staff. Try Orthotics During pregnancy, you may notice you suddenly have flat feet, whereas before, you had more of a pronounced arch. Luckily, custom orthotics can help correct the abnormal walking patterns you may develop due to flat feet, which will help stabilize your movements. With these corrections, you can avoid additional pain in the lower back, hips and knees. Orthotics will also provide shock absorption, protecting your feet from the ground's harsh impact. In addition, using orthotics to correct your gait will prevent future pain after you give birth since your feet may not immediately revert to the way they were before pregnancy. Move (When You Can) It's no surprise that pregnancy can make you feel lethargic. But it's important to perform light stretching exercises as they can do a world of good for your feet! They will strengthen the muscles in your feet and lower legs while improving blood circulation. Some examples include lightly massaging the bottom of your feet with a golf ball or water bottle(see below), or you can perform the calf stretch on a step, which gently stretches the soles and lower legs. Your chiropodist can recommend specific stretches for target muscles, and you can also refer to Feet First Clinic's Pinterest page for quick and easy routines. https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922795231123/ Practice Self Care Below are some additional ways to alleviate foot pain during pregnancy. Many of them are luxurious, relaxing and fun! Enjoy a foot massage Self-massage your calves and flex your feet when you experience cramping Soak your feet in a warm foot bath to relax your muscles Moisturize your feet (rubbing your feet will also boost blood flow) Stay hydrated and avoid salty foods to prevent swelling and inflammation Try not to stand for long periods without resting

April 20, 2023

Common Foot Problems in Women: Treatment and Prevention

Since women are more likely to experience foot pain and conditions, a significant focus of women's health should always be foot health. According to Foot Health Facts, narrow footwear that cramps the forefoot and squeezes the toes is the primary reason women are prime targets for foot health issues. Furthermore, common foot problems in women can arise after years of wearing shoes with little arch support and unstable heels. Today's article will discuss the most common foot problems women struggle with and prevention and treatment options. Common Foot Problems in Women Bunions Plantar fasciitis Arthritis Hammertoes Plantar Fasciitis Medical News Today notes women risk developing plantar fasciitis more than men. This may be due to post-pregnancy foot changes and the effects of wearing unsupportive footwear for years; both can lead to plantar fascia strain and subsequent stabbing heel pain. The best way for women to prevent and treat this painful condition is to only wear high heels on special occasions and choose comfortable heels with cushioning and a stable heel. For daily activities, opt for shoes with sufficient arch and heel support (most important) and thick soles and cushioning. But it's also important to find shoes with that create a healthy environment for your feet (i.e.: enough room in the toe box, breathability, etc.) to prevent other conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight can also prevent too much pressure on the plantar fascia. To help, women can stretch their feet and perform daily exercises that work the plantar fascia and calf muscles (see an example below!). And lastly, orthotics with arch support can distribute the pressure on your feet more evenly. https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908317/ Bunions Again, low-quality shoes are the main culprit behind women developing bunions, but genetics may also play a role. Bunions may also be at their worst during menopause or pregnancy. Some women may require intervention from a surgeon to eliminate severe bunions. But many can try non-invasive methods like bunion pads, inserts and orthotics, and frequent rest periods with compression and ice packs. The most worthwhile preventative measure is changing your shoes and giving your feet the support and room they deserve. Ensure all shoes have enough room in the toe box (cramped toes are a major risk factor for bunions) and are not too narrow. Arthritis Research suggests post-menopausal women suffer more from osteoarthritis than men because of estrogen fluctuations. There may be a connection between pre-menopausal estrogen levels and joint and cartilage health. Targeted exercises are one of the best ways to prevent and treat most types of arthritis (not just osteoarthritis!). Moreover, Feet First Clinic's beginner's guide to exercises for arthritis Part 1 and Part 2 outline beneficial exercises, the steps involved and why they're so useful. These routines also consider that arthritis can be very limiting and ensures all movements are manageable. Other forms of treatment include braces or canes (in severe cases), anti-inflammatory pain relievers, orthotics that support the ankle and the foot (also good for prevention), physiotherapy and orthopedic footwear. Hammertoes Like bunions, hammertoes affect women because they are more likely to wear excessively tight and unsupportive shoes, causing the toes' middle joints to bend more and more over time. To avoid and manage pre-existing hammertoes, ensure your shoes have at least half an inch of room between the toes and the end of the shoe. Additionally, women should avoid high heels on most days and only wear them if the heel is a "reasonable" height. It may also be wise to buy shoes with stretchy fabrics and avoid excessive fabric layers. They can force your toes into uncomfortable positions and make it difficult to accommodate pre-existing hammertoes. Inserts and pads can also be helpful for women by positioning the toes and feet more favourably. Furthermore, a chiropodist can use a splint or some tape to fix your toe in the proper, straight position. Several medical devices can help with toe conditions

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Toenail Growth: How Long It Takes For A Toenail To Grow Back

Why did my toenail fall off?

What’s a black toenail?

How long will it take for my toenail to grow back?

Is there anything I can do to make my toenail grow back faster?

Toenail trouble? We’ve got you covered!

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Related Posts

Running with Ingrown Toenails: How to Manage Discomfort and Avoid Infection

How to Prevent and Treat Ingrown Toenails

Top 10 Tips for Preventing Foot Injuries During Exercise

The Benefits of Medical Pedicures

How to Alleviate Foot Pain During Pregnancy

Common Foot Problems in Women: Treatment and Prevention

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