On your first step to a supposedly pleasant day out, you suddenly feel a painful sensation from your toes. As you take a closer look at it, you notice that a corner of your big toenail is growing into your skin. Initially, you think it's just a minor issue, so you decide to ignore it.
But as the days pass by, you can no longer ignore the nagging pain, redness, and swelling of your toes. Socks and closed shoes have never been so difficult to wear, and you feel like it's starting to affect the quality of your life negatively. So now, you're searching for a quick and convenient treatment—something that can help without the need for medical attention.
Toe protectors pique your interest, so you look up a good toe protector for ingrown toenails. But in the toe-crazed world we live in, it's hard to choose from the many orthopedic devices in the market.
We all want something that does what it is supposed to do and actually works. In that case, why not try the Zentoes Toe Protector? This article will review the product and share some science about ingrown toenails.
Over the Edges: The Case of Ingrown Toenails
How do you know if you have developed an ingrown nail on your toes? What causes them? Most importantly, how effective are orthopedic devices like toe protectors in treating an ingrown toenail? Let's dig a bit more about the science of ingrown nails.
What Does an Ingrown Toenail Look Like?
Normally, toenail growth goes straight down and over the top edge of the toes. However, if this nail grows inward instead of outward, it can become ingrown. The big toe is the most common toe that can get an ingrown because it has a larger surface area than the others.
It's painful and causes redness and swelling. When complications arise, it can also become an infected ingrown toenail. If the case is severe enough, you will need medical treatment such as surgery.
What Triggers An Ingrown Nail?
Ingrown nails on the toe can result from minor to major physical activities. Ensure you're extra careful with your feet, as ingrowns can happen with these common causes:
- Incorrect cutting of toenails
- Wearing tight footwear
- Having a toenail injury
- Accidentally striking your toe or dropping a heavy object on it
- Poor toe posture
- Lack of feet hygiene
- Genetic susceptibility (development of disease due to gene mutations)
Can Toe Protectors Solve Your Ingrown Dilemma? A Review of The Zentoes Gel Toe Caps
The answer on how to fix an ingrown toenail is classified into two: home and surgical treatments. Home remedies range from soaking feet in warm water, over-the-counter meds, to orthopedic devices. When they aren't effective, surgery is the ultimate solution.
This article will focus on reviewing an orthopedic device—the Zentoes Toe Protectors. Zentoes is one of the mainstream brands in the market, and we'll break down some factors that make it one of the best solutions for your foot problems. By the end of this article, evaluate if it's the right device for your toenail pain or not.
Advantage: The Invisible Hero
Ingrown nails on your toes make the feet more sensitive, so you need a device that doesn't add discomfort. Luckily, these gel toes have a slim and soft design. As a result, they slip and fit easily into most footwear. You might even forget that you're wearing them all day because of their softness.
Advantage: Protects In the Softest Way Possible
This Zentoes orthopedic device is strong enough to shield your damaged toe from unwanted abrasions against other toes, footwear, or the ground (especially when you're walking barefoot). At the same time, it does the job comfortably: the padded gel material is moisturizing and promotes natural healing.
Advantage: A Universal Solution for Common Toe Issues
The Zentoes Toe Caps incorporate a flexible construction good for most toe issues, such as ingrown nails, corns and calluses, and hammertoes. However, they're not advisable to use on open wounds, as they might scrape off more skin which only worsens the damage.
Advantage: Skin-Friendly
The Zentoes protectors are latex-free, HSA/FSA eligible, and washable. Therefore, you can stop worrying about allergies and focus on maximizing hygiene using these caps. Some users also report that these caps don't let a single drop of water enter, so they keep your toes completely dry for long periods.
Disadvantage: Not Durable and Effective Enough
Some users don't find the cushioning enough to treat their foot issues. It also wears out faster than they expected and often falls out of place when used as toe protectors for shoes. However, this may depend on your foot size and toe issue.
Disadvantage: Can Cause Skin Irritation
These Zentoes toe protectors don't have a breathable design, so some may experience moisture and sweating. Consequently, it can lead to skin irritations, especially for those who get sweaty feet easily.
Final Thoughts
Can a Zentoes toe protector solve your ingrown nail concerns? Yes, if it's not a severe case. It slips into your shoes easily, feels comfortable to wear all day, and promotes healthy healing. In addition, it protects your damaged toenail from rubbing against shoes or other toes that can worsen the condition.
But, at the same time, you need to ensure you're using it for the right purposes. Use it if you don't have an open wound and if your feet can handle non-breathable devices. Zentoes Gel Toe Caps have good reviews from most users, and we can say that it's worth a try if you're experiencing ingrown pain.
Did you find Zentoes to be a great product but want to see more options? Explore more articles on our website for the best toe separators for ingrown nails and other related toe and foot concerns.
July 19, 2022
