Toenail trauma refers to any injury or damage to the toenail or surrounding tissue. Read on to find out how your flip-flops might be causing this and how to treat and prevent it.

In contrast to supportive footwear, flip-flops offer minimal support. To keep them on, your toes grip the sole tightly, causing repeated stress on the nails. This repeated friction, along with the slapping motion and involuntary bumps, contributes to the problem.

Wearing flip-flops for long walks, in crowded areas, or while running errands can lead to small injuries you might not notice immediately until your toenails start showing signs.

Top Stories

Toenail trauma doesn’t always look dramatic at first. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Here’s what you might notice:

Untreated, minor trauma can result in infection or even cause the nail to be lost.

Not all toenail injuries are minor. It’s best to get medical help if:

• Reserve flip-flops for walking short distances or lounging about at home/beach, not shopping excursions or urban strolls.
• Give your toes a break by switching to closed, supportive shoes often.
• Be mindful of where you walk, uneven terrain, crowds, or luggage can lead to accidental bumps.
• Short, clean nails are less likely to catch or split.

[ This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]