Naples, FL – Parents can prevent a common childhood foot problem by following some simple recommendations, according to a Dr. Kevin Lam, foot and ankle surgeon.

Naples, FL foot and ankle surgeon  Dr. Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS, DABLES, DABPS, says ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent conditions he treats in children. Many kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. An ingrown nail can break the skin and lead to dangerous infections.

Dr. Lam blames tight shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming for most cases. In others, the children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve. He shares the following tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

• Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them too short.
• Make sure children’s shoes fit. Shoe width is more important than length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the widest part of your child’s foot.
• If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, reduce the inflammation by soaking the child’s foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold.

The only proper way to treat a child’s ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor’s office. Parents should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous “bathroom surgeries” carry a high risk for infection. Dr. Lam says he may prescribe antibiotics to children with infected ingrown toenails.

For more information on pediatric foot problems such as ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit the ACFAS Web site, FootHealthFacts.org.

Family Foot and Leg Center has several Centers from Collier to Charlotte Counties to get you back on your feet.

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!