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With proper care and the assistance of a foot doctor, there are countless foot-related ailments that can be either managed or prevented entirely. One of the most common foot problems is toenail fungus, which may seem like an uncomfortable, yet unavoidable, fact of life. Toenail fungus leads to nails that are thick, brittle, and discolored; walking also becomes a painful act as the infection spreads. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep toenail fungal infections from occurring in the first place.

The Top 3 Ways to Prevent Toenail Fungus

1. Choose the Right Footwear

The first thing you should do is ditch any ill-fitting shoes that could be making foot problems much worse than they already are. Make sure they're properly fitted and have enough breathing room to give your feet some much-needed air. It also helps to alternate footwear at least every other day to give each pair a chance to air out. 

2. Disinfect Shoes & Surfaces

foot doctorAny foot doctor will tell you that antibacterial spray is your friend. It's not just about disinfecting your shoes; you should take care of any surface that encounters regular shoeless foot traffic. This goes double so for your shower, which should be scrubbed routinely and disinfected with a bleach-based solution. You may also want to consider applying an antifungal powder to your shoes and socks. 

3. Groom & Clip Properly

The above tips won't be nearly as effective if you don't give your feet the TLC they require. Pay special attention to your toenails while grooming, making sure to clip straight across for the best results. Going barefoot at home shouldn't be a problem, but avoid doing so in public areas like pools, locker rooms, and showers. 

 

Residents in the Rochester, NY area have been turning to the foot doctors at Westside Podiatry Group for nearly 40 years. Visit them online for more information, and call them at (585) 225-2290 to schedule an appointment today. 

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