Toes!

ToffeeApple71

My second toes are longer than my big toe, which seems to be my problem. For the past 2 years (since I started exercising properly and regularly) I've basically had no toenails on those two toes...the nails turn black and fall off. Unfortunately the trauma caused by that has begun to be rather painful. My toes will swell up and hurt after every walk. I've tried a range of different shoes, and tying laces, but nothing works. I've tried hikers wool, toe protectors and toe socks. No joy.
Any suggestions?

kshama2001

I'm reminded of Reese Witherspoon's character in "Wild" who lost toenail(s) while hiking. She was in the wilderness and had no choice but to continue.

The same is not true for you. Stop damaging yourself until you figure this out.

I have knee issues and understand the frustration of not being able to exercise how I'd like. But if you're in pain after every walk, you shouldn't be walking until you figure this out.

At this point, I think you need to see a podiatrist or other medical professional specializing in feet as there is a potential for lasting damage that needs to be addressed.

Hiawassee88

We can't give you a medical diagnosis...
"A detached toenail is usually caused by an injury, fungal infection, or psoriasis."
About 2.5% of marathon runners develop a subungual hematoma, which is a bruise or bleeding in the blood vessels directly under the nail bed that makes your toenail look black and pushes it off the nail bed."

Greek toes or Morton's Toe

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Morton's_Toe

MaggieGirl135

I lost my nails on both big toes more than 15 years ago after hiking into and out of the Grand Canyon (not an uncommon injury, I’ve since heard). Went to the family doctor a couple times and then went to the podiatrist; I wish I went there first! Weeks/months(?) of pain. I wish my family doctor recommended this at my first appt.

dvdiamond11

I am just going to agree with kshama2001, you need to see a podiatrist.
You said you have tried different shoes so I am sure you tried going up a size. I know running shoes for those who run need to go up a half a size.

TxDesertFox

Same problem, and I'm an endurance runner. I've tried all types of shoes, insoles, socks, lacing, etc. But every race season I end up losing that toenail. What has worked so far are those toe caps (I call them toe condoms).

Jacq_qui

I have lost my big toe nail three times now from injury. It's never been awfully painful, although I did have a tender few weeks, it didn't stop me doing anything, although they took forever to fall off and forever to grow back. I wonder if there is something specific causing it that a GP might be able to help with

ToffeeApple71

GP sent me to podiatrist. Pretty much there's nothing I can do other than file the nails down or remove them both surgically. Repeated trauma gets 'learned" by the nail, and it continues to thicken which exacerbates the trauma. I've trialed filing them down, wearing the silicone toe sleeves and socks with individual toe things (I call them foot gloves) have helped a little. I can at least walk without too much pain. Running is a different story:(

westrich20940

There is a thing called 'runner's toe'....which is caused by repeated strain on the foot (usually due to poor fitting shoes or something with the runner's form that causes trauma to that toe). This might be happening to your 2nd toe as opposed to great toe since it's longer.

You prob want to see a pediatrist to see if there's anything you can do. Might just remove the toenails similar to removing some nails from great toes if they cause ingrown nails often. My SO doesnt' have one of his big toes for this reason...and he has hammer toe on both feet as well which doesnt' seem to cause him any issues so far...