Maintaining Tip-Top Toes

Ladies and gentlemen, listen up: It’s time for a DIY pedi. Too-long toenails can rub up against the insides of shoes, causing repeated microtraumas with each step and leading to the development of blisters, discoloration, brittleness, and even loss of the nail. Keeping the toes happy is essential! The toes play a vital role in the function of the foot and your ability to balance and walk properly. Quickly addressing toe problems can avoid permanent damage. If you have a toe problem, immediate treatment can also prevent the need for complex treatment to restore health.

How Can I Treat Toe Pain at Home?

Some problems may only require at-home treatment. However, if these problems worsen, you need to visit a podiatrist. These treatments can address immediate toe pain:

• Ice: Icing a freshly injured toe can reduce swelling and pain. Use a cold compress on your toe for fifteen minutes multiple times during the first 48 hours you experience toe pain. Do not ice your toe for over twenty minutes at a time.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Inflammation is a common symptom of many toe problems. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can relieve pain and inflammation at the same time.
• Warm salt water soaks: Soaking your toes in warm salt water can help address pain from an ingrown toenail. Epsom salts also help reduce the chance of infection. If you already have an infected toe, the salts can relieve the pressure and swelling from your toe problem.
• Do not wear high heels, flip flops, or ill-fitting shoes if you have toe pain, as it can worsen your symptoms. Contact your healthcare professional if you do not relieve your toe pain or fully address your toe problem at home. They can recommend further treatment tailored to your specific needs.

Remember these general maintenance tips to keep toenails looking—but not feeling—sharp.

1. Clip toenails so only a sliver of white remains at the ends and the nail does not extend further than the end of the toe. If you do high-impact activities—running, Zumba, etc.—clip the nail even shorter so it doesn’t jam at the end of your shoe.
2. If bright corals and reds are your go-to summer colors, make sure to prep with a base coat so you don’t discolor the nail.
3. Trim nails post-shower, when they are softer.
4. File sharp edges after cutting, in one direction only—not back and forth.
5. Invest in nail nippers—these somewhat resemble small pliers and, though more expensive than clippers, cut more precisely.
6. If you head to the salon, make sure the environment is clean—if you don’t feel comfortable walking around barefoot, you should go somewhere else.
7. Ask what the salon uses to sterilize its equipment—the best methods are autoclave (high pressure steam) or sterilizing solution.
8. Forego the washtub if you have open sores on your feet.
9. Let the salon know if you are diabetic or taking a blood thinner.