Whether you have a massive game coming up or can’t afford to skip a practice, deciding to play with an ingrown toenail that’s been bothering you is a tough spot to be in. Every time you even think about putting on your cleats or court shoes, your big toe starts throbbing. It is red, it is angry, and it feels like a hot needle is digging into your skin. You are probably wondering if you can grit your teeth and power through the pain for a couple of hours. Today, we at Syracuse Podiatry weigh in on whether that’s a good idea (or not).

High Intensity Movement on Your Toe

Cleats and basketball sneakers are already tight, and if you have a toenail that has started to grow into the surrounding flesh, that pressure effectively drives that organic splinter deeper into your skin with every step.

This can cause the nail to lacerate the delicate tissue inside the nail fold, which can lead to immediate bleeding and inflammation. For you, this means the pain will likely escalate until you are limping, which ruins your performance and puts you at risk for other injuries.

Temporary Game Day Fixes to Manage Ingrown Toenails

If you absolutely must play before you can get to a podiatrist, you need a strategy to minimize the damage:

• Soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salts for fifteen minutes before your game to soften the skin and reduce some of the initial inflammation.
• When it comes to gear, try to wear your roomiest pair of shoes if your sport allows it. You can also use a specialized taping technique to gently pull the skin away from the nail edge, which will reduce the chance of injury during the game.
• Using a small piece of moleskin or a toe protector can provide a physical barrier, but keep in mind these are just bandages on a bigger problem.

When You Must Sit Out with an Ingrown Toenail

Some symptoms mean you must stay off the field, no matter how important the game is.

If you see any yellow or white drainage, if the toe feels hot to the touch, or if you notice red streaks extending up your foot, you have a legitimate infection. Playing with an infected toe increases your heart rate and circulation, which can potentially help the infection spread. At this point, the risk to your overall health far outweighs the benefit of playing.

If you have any concerns about your ingrown toenail this spring sports season, don’t hesitate to reach out!

For advice related to any podiatric concerns you’re facing, the expert team at Syracuse Podiatry is here to help guide you. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Colin Kalabanka can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.