Sooo, has anyone lost a toenail?

cbeanies

I'm asking because out on the main forums, about a week ago, there was a post about running and one poster was talking about losing a toenail from running. Another poster replied something like, 'yes, that's how you know you're a runner' and then there were way too many replies of 'me too' . One person said that they've lost 4.

Now I knew you had to be wary of things like shin splints and heel spurs and I can stomach that. The normal running injuries seem to be things you can recover from, but you can't grow back a toenail.

Please tell me that those posters were playing a prank and that losing a toenail from running is very uncommon. It's making me feel a little queasy thinking about it.

CherylP67

You can and will grow back a toenail.

Maybe it's the friction in the shoe.

btsinmd

I almost lost a toenail when I started C25K and got into the longer running parts. I had bought shoes that were the right size and not listened to the sales person who recommended larger. After seeing the toe, I immediately went out and bought another pair of running shoes a full size larger and have had no problems since, although my longest run to this point is only 5 miles. I use my first pair just walking around and not during my runs anymore.

I think that the problem and reason is because it doesn't really hurt much, so you don't notice that it's a problem until after the run, and with a really long run that might be too late to save the toenail. One of the reasons probably that it's not recommended that you just go out and run long distances in brand new shoes, but use them for smaller runs until you're used to them.

Lyerin

Your toenails do grow back. I've never lost one (knock wood), but I always make sure I have plenty of room for my toes in my shoes. I don't think though that you aren't a "real" runner if you've not lost one. I am a real runner because I run.

PaytraB

I looked that up when I first heard about it. It's caused by too small shoes.
When I bought my first shoes, I was told to buy 1/2 size too large. The shoes feel fine and are a bit roomy in the toe box. I've never had a problem with my feet and I think it may be because of the shoes being a tad larger.

likitisplit

It's mostly caused by too small shoes but can be caused by a sudden increase in mileage. Like, you know, if you're training for a half marathon. I have a black one right now. It's kind of like morning sickness: unpleasant, avoid if possible, but also kind of a rite of passage.

What happens is that your toenail hurts, then turns black. After awhile, a thin new one grows in underneath it and the old one falls off. The new one can be ridged for a time but will smooth out over time.

If your shoes are the right size, taping the toe will help with friction, which is one cause, and fluid buildup under the nail, which is another.

I actually lost a big toenail when I was a kid by jamming it with a closet door.

AglaeaC

For me it's not about the shoes, but how much pressure I'm putting on the forefoot (is that a word?). It's normal (yeah...) for me to get half a black nail, the medial side to be precise, when I'm doing something like dancing for hours. When the blood turned up from running, I just concluded "Oh, pressure!" It's like the toe nail doesn't get enough blood when the tissues are squeezing shut when the body weight is tilting forwards.

likitisplit

Swallowing a bug while running is another bucket list item you don't really need to know about until you've completed a 5k.

rduhlir

Or swallowing the bugs that go up your nose. Yeah, don't ask.

With the black toe nail thing, it is actually quite common among new half marathoners/marathoners as they get big jolts in distances in only 12-16 weeks. But besides the shoes, tying the laces too tight also can cause issues. I have seen some runners clamp the laces down and constrict their feet and cause toe nail issues.

Lyerin

LOL on bug swallowing. I told my DH a few weeks ago that I knew I was a "real" runner when, as bug-phobic as I am, I swallowed a bug while running and just kept going without stopping, gagging or freaking out.

cbeanies

Ok, I seriously did not know you could regroup a toenail. I feel like a dork for not knowing but very, very relieved.

I really like the couch to 5k program and this was bumming me out a little so thank you so much for the replies.

Lol at swallowing a bug. One went up my nose while I was out the other day.

likitisplit

Ok, I seriously did not know you could regroup a toenail. I feel like a dork for not knowing but very, very relieved.

I really like the couch to 5k program and this was bumming me out a little so thank you so much for the replies.

Lol at swallowing a bug. One went up my nose while I was out the other day.

You are too awesome for swallowing a bug. Welcome to the membership!!!

Losing toenails isn't something that non-runners ever think about. I mean, why would you?