That's Fit

During puberty, my feet grew so fast my toes were often jammed into tight shoes. The painful result was an ingrown toenail -- where a sharp corner of the toe digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. That puffy, sore toe eventually healed thanks to properly-sized shoes.

Soccer moms and dads need to watch for ingrown toenails in their little soccer stars. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), ingrown toenails in youth are a common malady during soccer season. Oftentimes, cleats don't fit right as used gear is handed down sibling to sibling. Older kids prefer snug cleats to achieve a better sense of the ball and turf. Kicking with squeezed toes can lead to ingrown toenails.

If infection results, a 10-minute surgical procedure offers a permanent cure. The toe is numbed and the ingrown nail removed. Even part of the root can be removed to prevent regrowth. Your junior kicker will be scoring goals the next day. Although I suspect the numbing injection is no fun.

Visit ACFAS for more information on ingrown toenails. Several home treatment myths are debunked, including the one recommending you clip a V-notch in the nail -- a total waste of time.