Prevent Ingrown Toenails This Winter | Foot & Ankle Centers

Winter brings cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and, of course, winter boots. While your boots keep your feet warm, they can sometimes cause unexpected problems—especially for your toenails. Tight footwear and thick socks can press nails into the skin, leading to redness, pain, or even infection if not addressed. Understanding how to protect your feet can help you enjoy the season comfortably.

Why Winter Boots Can Be Risky for Your Toenails

Many popular winter boots prioritize style or warmth over proper fit. Thick socks, combined with snug boots, can press your toenails into the surrounding skin. This pressure can lead to redness, tenderness, and sometimes a bacterial or fungal infection.

Improper nail trimming often compounds the problem. Cutting toenails too short, rounding the edges, or leaving corners that dig into the skin can make you more prone to ingrown toenails, especially in cold weather when swelling and stiffness are more common.

At Foot & Ankle Centers, our team of experts, including Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven, treat patients with painful ingrown toenails caused by winter boots and improper foot care. With locations in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Texas, they provide guidance and treatment to keep your feet healthy all winter long.

Prevention Tips for Healthy Toes

The good news is that ingrown toenails are largely preventable with a few simple practices:

Trim Nails Properly

Trim your toenails straight across, rather than rounding the edges. This reduces the likelihood of the corners digging into your skin. Avoid cutting nails too short—leave a small bit of white at the tip for protection.

Choose Shoes with Proper Fit

Always make sure your boots provide enough room in the toe box. Your toes should wiggle freely without pressure from the shoe or your socks. If your feet feel cramped after walking, it may be time for a different size or style.

Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Moisture can soften the skin and increase your risk of infection. Wash your feet daily, dry thoroughly—especially between the toes—and change socks if they become damp from snow or sweat.

Avoid Prolonged Pressure

Try not to stand or walk in tight boots for extended periods. Give your feet breaks when indoors, and stretch your toes to relieve pressure.

Signs You Should See a Podiatrist

Even with preventive measures, ingrown toenails can occur. It’s important to recognize when professional care is needed. Look out for:

• Persistent redness or swelling around the nail
• Pain that worsens with pressure or walking
• Signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or foul odor

Our expert podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers can safely treat ingrown toenails and prevent complications. Treatment may involve minor in-office procedures, careful nail trimming, or guidance on footwear and foot care habits.

Safe Treatment Options

If an ingrown toenail develops, don’t ignore it. Trying to dig out the nail yourself can worsen the problem or introduce infection. Our team at Foot & Ankle Centers always use safe, sterile techniques to relieve pain and correct nail growth.

Treatment options may include:

• Conservative care: Soaking the foot, gently lifting the nail, and using protective padding
• Partial nail removal: For recurrent ingrown nails, removing part of the nail can prevent future problems
• Full nail management: In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend more comprehensive approaches to correct nail growth

The key is early intervention. Treating an ingrown toenail promptly ensures a faster recovery and reduces the risk of infection.

Winter Foot Care: Small Changes, Big Impact

Winter doesn’t have to mean painful feet. A few adjustments in footwear, socks, and nail care can make a significant difference. Drs. Tavakoli, Knapp, and Treleven emphasize that proactive care—not just reactive treatment—keeps your feet healthy and comfortable.

Remember, prevention is always better than treatment. Keeping nails trimmed correctly, choosing well-fitting boots, and maintaining clean, dry feet helps you enjoy winter without foot pain.

Foot Exercises for Healthy Nails

Reduced activity in winter can slow circulation in your feet, which may make nails more susceptible to pressure and irritation from tight boots. Simple exercises—like flexing your toes, rolling a small ball under your foot, or spreading your toes while seated—help improve blood flow and relieve pressure. Regularly moving and stretching your feet supports healthy nail growth, reduces swelling, and can help prevent discomfort or ingrown toenails during the colder months.

Get Professional Foot Care This Winter

If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection, let the experts at Foot & Ankle Centers help. With convenient locations in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, our team provides compassionate, professional care for all your foot and ankle needs.

Don’t let an ingrown toenail slow you down this winter—schedule a visit today and keep your feet happy and healthy all season long.