Bloody sock after running

s1im62
s1im62 Posts: 31,200 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Got back from my morning run (actually a walk/run -- I'm slowly working up to running the full distance), and saw that I had a bloody patch on the sock from my left foot.
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Didn't notice any discomfort during the exercise, and after washing the toe (middle toe) I could see no broken skin or residual bleeding. The only thing that looked like it needed attention was that the toenail needed some trimming, so I did that. Am hoping that fixing the nail will prevent a recurrence.

Just curious as to whether anyone else has had a similar experience they'd like to share.

Replies

  • s1im62
    s1im62 Posts: 31,200 Member
    edited October 2021
    SuzySunshine99 wrote: »
    Probably one of your toenails made a small cut in your toe that you can't even see.

    My best bloody sock story...

    I was on a backpacking trip on Isle Royale. One morning, I took a quick dip in a lake, then put on my socks and hiking boots. Hiked about 8 miles...didn't feel any pain. I felt some dampness, but assumed it was sweat since it was a hot day.

    When I got to the next campsite, I took off my boots, and one of my socks was soaked in blood. Like, A LOT of blood.

    When I investigated, I found the remains of a leech that had latched on to one of my toes in the lake. I hadn't noticed it when I put my socks on. Since leeches use an anticoagulant, you just keep bleeding for a while.

    At least it didn't hurt...I washed out the wound and was fine for the next day's hike. Just kind of gross.

    Yuck! :# Great gross-out story for telling around the campfire though! :D LOL
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,739 Member
    For me, it's always a sharp edge on one of the middle toenails that makes a small slice in the neighboring toe. It never hurts, either while running or afterward, as long as I cut the nail so it doesn't do it again the next day.
  • LoveyChar
    LoveyChar Posts: 4,336 Member
    Many, many times exactly like you explained and I'm fine. Clipped my toenails and moved on. I've also lost entire toenails, not a big deal to me as long as it doesn't cause issues. I am a long distance runner and when I'm putting in the miles, this happens. At least this has been my experience and also it's not uncommon with other runners I know as well.
  • Retroguy2000
    Retroguy2000 Posts: 1,825 Member
    The only time that's happened to me was about 4am one New Years Day, after several bars and a couple of parties, I took my shoe off and found my foot was quite bloody. No clue how it happened.
  • s1im62
    s1im62 Posts: 31,200 Member
    Thanks for the info/perspective from all of you. Shows me I'm not alone in having this (or something similarly weird) experience! :)
  • SuzySunshine99
    SuzySunshine99 Posts: 2,989 Member
    Retroguy2000 wrote: »
    The only time that's happened to me was about 4am one New Years Day, after several bars and a couple of parties, I took my shoe off and found my foot was quite bloody. No clue how it happened.

    Probably a leech.
  • Retroguy2000
    Retroguy2000 Posts: 1,825 Member
    SuzySunshine99 wrote: »
    Probably a leech.
    Haha. Then it chose a bad time to take my blood.
  • DoubleG2
    DoubleG2 Posts: 123 Member
    Better than bloody nipples! Years ago I ran a half marathon in a new white singlet. By the time I crossed finish line said singlet looked like a crime scene. Never had the issue before or since. I believe the cause was the unique weave of the fabric.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,658 Member
    SuzySunshine99 wrote: »
    Probably one of your toenails made a small cut in your toe that you can't even see.

    My best bloody sock story...

    I was on a backpacking trip on Isle Royale. One morning, I took a quick dip in a lake, then put on my socks and hiking boots. Hiked about 8 miles...didn't feel any pain. I felt some dampness, but assumed it was sweat since it was a hot day.

    When I got to the next campsite, I took off my boots, and one of my socks was soaked in blood. Like, A LOT of blood.

    When I investigated, I found the remains of a leech that had latched on to one of my toes in the lake. I hadn't noticed it when I put my socks on. Since leeches use an anticoagulant, you just keep bleeding for a while.

    At least it didn't hurt...I washed out the wound and was fine for the next day's hike. Just kind of gross.

    Dang!!! I was like "ewwwwww" when I got to the "I found the remains of a leech...." bit lol

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