Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Baylor College of Medicine experts have plenty of tips to help you stay healthy. Since this is the prime time of year for wellness events, this month’s Health Hint focuses on toenail problems for runners.

Regular runners very frequently experience toenail issues, and it really comes down to ill-fitting shoes. This issue is caused by the toe or toes slamming up against either the end or top of the shoe, so running shoes should be about a half-size larger than regular street shoes.”

Additional tips include:

• Lace the shoes tighter – it prevents the foot from sliding around in the shoe
• Trim toenails appropriately
• Apply tape to the nail or nails for the run
• Wear thicker or moisture-wicking socks to keep the feet dry
• Purchase toe caps for the toes that are most likely to be affected
• Don’t wear nail polish on the toenail – it prolongs the injury and doesn’t allow the nail to breathe

Dr. Ronald Lepow, podiatrist and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery