It’s not necessary to have Runner’s Toe (known as black toenails due to running) in order to belong to the club, and having this issue is not something that all runners will inevitably experience.
Marathon runners often complain of runner’s toe. Some even have the feeling of being proud when they accomplish it, as if it is an initiation ritual. One of the most standard running traumas is found amongst runners.
This condition, which is known as runner’s toenail, or runner’s toe, causes the skin under and around the toenail to become darkened. This may result from being crushed, jabbed, or continually exerting strain on the area.
The change in the color of the toenail is caused by the presence of a small amount of blood underneath the nail, which is referred to as a subungual hematoma.
We often treat our injuries like war stories. Everyone who takes part in running has memories of lost toenails, moments where they carried on despite their body no longer wanting to, evidencing the physical strain this activity inflicts.
Nevertheless, we are aware that it is not obligatory! The same goes for your toes.
Runner’s Toe
A blackened toenail that can result from rigorous sports or exercise is sometimes referred to as a runner’s toe, jogger’s toenail, or runner’s toenail. This is a common issue among athletes, especially runners.
The area below or near the toenail starts to become dark purple or black, and this can occur if your toe hits against or brushes up against your shoe repeatedly.
The continual occurrence of small shocks to the inside of the shoe during toe-strikes results in minuscule harm with each hit.
Because running is a sport requiring repetition, this leads to continual strain. The accumulation of microtraumas culminates in bleeding below the nail, causing its hue to darken.
Medically, this condition is known as subungual hematoma. The term “subungual” signifies a position beneath the fingernail, whereas a “hematoma” is referred to a collection of blood outside of the normal circulatory channels.
The bleeding can cause an accumulation of blood to the affected area, which can cause your foot to expand. The situation is made worse because now, because of the swelling, your toe is pressed harder against your shoe.
Runners More Prone to Runner’s Toe
The habit of running, which is very typical for this sport, increases the risk of having runner’s toe (which is why it has got such a name!).
Your foot is creating an immense amount of energy as it thrusts against the ground with each step you take while inside your shoe.
- A too-tight toe box means that with each step the shoe is compressing the top of the foot, which often leads not just to toe issues, but top of foot issues (see wide toebox running shoes)
- A too-big shoe means with each step your foot moves forward and hits the front of the shoe
- Downhill running also presses the foot forward in the shoe (consider toecaps or padding)
The Symptoms of Runner’s Toe
Some of the symptoms you can expect if you have runner’s toe are:
- Throbbing pain in the toenail
- Purple, or black discoloration under some or all of the nail
- Redness and swelling around the head of the toe
- Tenderness around the affected toenail
If you have a running-related toe problem, it could begin with an unpleasant feeling. It is possible that you will observe inflammation and puffiness around the top of the toe.
The toe might begin to be particularly sensitive when touched; when pressure has increased due to the bleeding, it might be painful when it is lightly pressed.
Generally, the discomfort will dissipate within a short period of time. The intensity of the discomfort felt by some folks with runner’s toe could be greater depending on the strain that is increasing beneath the toenail caused by the bleeding.
On occasion, the nail may begin to raise due to tension resulting from the blood beneath it. The nail usually gets thicker and becomes more fragile before it eventually detaches.
Other Reasons Why Your Toenail Has Turned Black
It is possible that an infection with toenail fungus may be the cause of your toenail turning black. People who run are vulnerable to fungal infections as fungi thrive in wet environments, such as sweat-dampened toes.
One example of a fungal infection is Onychomycosis, which can lead to a yellow-brown discoloration on the underside of the nails. This can also cause an accumulation of rubbish beneath the nail that can cause it to appear dark and not be its typical color.
If you think you might have a fungal infection rather than athlete’s foot, go see your doctor. They will tell you what the optimal course of action is for your unique situation, which could include obtaining medications through a pharmacy or through a doctor’s prescription.
Runner’s Toe Treatment And Prevention
1. Wear the right shoes
A lot of the physical problems associated with running stem from not having the correct gear. Similar to injuries that can occur in other sports. Your shoes are essential for the entire activity.
Although you can often get good savings on exercise clothing such as coats and headbands, it’s never a good idea to prioritize a low cost over comfort when it comes to selecting shoes. Using lower quality materials results in the items wearing out quicker, so you will likely still be spending an equal amount after all is said and done.
Choose running shoes that will last.
To prevent runner’s toe from happening, make sure you buy running shoes that are a size that give your toes some space, so they are not pressed up against the end of the shoe. Don’t choose a shoe size that is so big that your foot can move around inside.
That may make it even easier to cause injury. Try to keep a space of about the width of your thumb between the end of your toe and the toe box.
2. Trim your toenails
Cutting them down to size will ensure that your toes are the first thing to bump the inside of your shoe, rather than your fingernails. The less lengthy they are, the more remote the possibility that they will connect with any section of your shoe.
Take care not to cut your toenails too short, otherwise you may end up with an ingrown toenail. Trim directly in a line so the skin around your nail does not attempt to cover it.
3. Lace your shoes properly
Having the best running shoes does not matter if they are not laced up properly, so it is important to ensure that is done in order to get the best results.
For basic walking, you’re right. However, with the sport of distance running comes many obstacles that necessitate thorough preparation.
Research has demonstrated that the way that the laces are done up can drastically alter the amount of pressure on the foot. Before hitting the track or road, your laces need to:
- Allow proper blood flow
- Have room for flexibility
- Have enough tightness to prevent rubbing
- Avoid putting pressure on delicate areas
- Keep your heels steady – to prevent ankle sprains
By utilizing the correct lacing style, you can achieve the highest level of comfort from your footwear.
How do you do this? Consider the shape of your foot and how comfortable your shoe feels when wearing them. Vary the crossing points for the lacing design diagonally and horizontally to adjust different regions of tightness and looseness.
Tighten the top of the sneaker by making an additional knot at every eyelet, afterwards thread the laces for a second time through the knot.
4. Wear moisture-wicking socks
Wet feet are slippery and that may result in your feet going into the toe area with greater strength than before. Stop this problem by wearing some good socks that draw sweat away and ensure your feet stay in place.
Runners can purchase socks specifically designed for them which offer enhanced traction within their shoe and extra padding in the toes. Some have an extra layer of material to absorb more moisture.
5. Use toe protectors
Silicone toe caps can protect the toes from abrasion and supply a layer of padding resulting from running movements. They can be pulled and molded to cover every toe from all angles.
These are ideal for providing padding and eliminating the rubbing that results in blistering. Some shoes can also be reduced in size to fit the precise shape of your foot.
6. Let the nail grow out
If the discomfort dissipates within 48 hours, there is nothing to be concerned about. In the majority of instances of runner’s toe, there is no need for you to take much action. Typically, the nail will simply grow out together with the nail bed and the issue will take care of itself.
In such circumstances, anticipate the toenail to keep its discolored shade for a timeframe ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the rate your toenails grow. It could eventually detach and you would see a fresh one sprouting in the same area beneath it.
Don’t let the fact that the toenail has detached be a cause of concern, since it is a sign of a slight case of runner’s toe. In most cases, after injury to the toe, the body begins to generate a fresh toenail.
Ultimately, it detaches the old toenail…or at times the previous toenail is bereft before the new one arrives.
Should this event take place and there’s no blood, put antibiotic balm on the bare nail bed. The toe caps can be beneficial as demonstrated below.
7. Keep an eye out for signs of infection
In many instances, the soreness associated with jogger’s toe will diminish in just a couple days.
The intensity of the discomfort felt by those enduring runner’s toe could be influenced by how much pressure is generated beneath the toenail due to blood accumulating.
If two to three days have gone by and you are still feeling a lot of soreness and tenderness, it may be a signal that your toe nail is contaminated.
Signs of an infection:
- some bad smell
- oozing pus
- along with the sharp pain
- swelling
- possible fever because of an infection
If you have these signs and indications, you need to quickly visit the physician.
8. Get a podiatrist to drain it
If you have runner’s toe, and afterwards discover your toenail is infected, you can go to the doctor’s office to have a procedure called nail trephination done.
This process is intended to remove any excess liquid from the injury. A podiatrist, typically your doctor, might employ a heated needle to create a pinhole in your nail for the purging of blood in a sterile, clean way.
Do not be tempted to attempt this endeavor by yourself. This can result in illnesses and create additional difficulties if germs are unintentionally confined in the area. I would advise that you go to a physician in your area at all times.
9. Signs you need to head to the doctor again
After following your doctor’s advice and having all the blood drained, the toe should start recovering and the agony should start decreasing within a few days.
If you still have considerable discomfort after the fluid has been extracted, it might be time for you to make another appointment with the doctor. This is especially true if you have any of the following symptoms after getting it drained:
- The nail doesn’t stop bleeding
- It still looks or feels infected
- The swelling and redness seem to have gotten worse
- You notice that the base of the nail is damaged or there’s a deep cut
- You notice pus or fluid oozing out of the nail
- You’re experiencing a throbbing pain or heat in the toe
- You’re having a fever
If this is an issue that you are currently dealing with, don’t worry and go to a doctor right away! Your doctor might give you a prescription for some medicine to help fight off the infection.
The doctor will also examine what other possible therapies are feasible for you – this may involve taking out the nail altogether or sewing the split together.
When Fixing Runner’s Toe Needs Help From The Experts
When the soreness persists for longer than a few days after being drained, it’s advisable to consult a physician.
Head to your podiatrist again if you notice these signs:
- The base of the nail is damaged
- There’s a deep cut or laceration
- It doesn’t stop bleeding
- It looks or feels infected
Your physician might be required to give you a prescription or fasten up any serious gashes. They could possibly choose to X-ray your toe to check for any fractured bones. If the dark portion of the nail covers over half of it, the physician could opt to take out the nail fully.
Infection can lead to problems rapidly if not identified and attended to. Be aware of the signs, such as:
- Fluid or pus
- Increased swelling and redness
- Worsening pain
- Red streaks in the skin
- Fever
- Throbbing or heat in the toe
With proper attention, runner’s toe ought not to delay you significantly.
Take precautions.
Cut back on running downhill.
Soon enough, you’ll be back to running marathons.
Formulating the right strategy can help stop the occurrence of these kinds of cumulative traumas, as they keep you on a steady progress curve. Make sure to roll out one of our no-cost marathon training plans to get in top shape for the event safely!
