New Runner with Toenail Pain! Advise please!

Capital_Q
Capital_Q Posts: 24 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
So I started the Couch to 5K application on my phone this week, and after two sessions of running/walking my second toe or rather toe nails are killing me! They are bruised on both feet at the nail bed. My shoes fit well and aren't loose or tight. Any suggestions from you runners out there? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • Kezzykezkezkez
    Kezzykezkezkez Posts: 19
    Are your toenails cut right down? It could be that just just need trimming so they aren't catching on the insides of your shoes as you bring your foot down each time.
  • schninie82
    schninie82 Posts: 502 Member
    cut them... =))
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    get regular pedicures and you'll be fine.
  • srp2011
    srp2011 Posts: 1,829 Member
    Did you get fitted for your shoes at a running store? And when you say they are not too tight, are they the normal size you wear and comfortable for normal walking? Because they recommend wearing at least a half to a whole size larger in running shoes. It could also be that although the shoes fit well, they are not the right style for you and your running 'mechanics' - thus the need to get properly fitted by someone who will watch you run and see if you over or under-pronate, and find the right style. Also, are your socks too tight? Could the seam be hitting at that point?
  • channie86
    channie86 Posts: 1
    that is true.. when not cut down it can hurt to run for long periods of time..if your shoes are too loose your feet slide forward. trying thicker or more padded type socks for comfort and shoes with sufficient padding inside that are not worn out.
  • twooliver
    twooliver Posts: 450 Member
    I wonder if you are in the right shoe size. I recently learned I'd been wearing shoes too small for me for years. When I started working out, my toes started complaining. So I'm now in the next size up...and making sure to tie the shoe all the up using all the holes - I think it's called the runners knot....can't remember. Go to a sport's shoe store and ask them about the toe nail issue....
  • Frankenbarbie01
    Frankenbarbie01 Posts: 432 Member
    You could try changing the type of socks you are wearing. I have a couple of different types (cotton blend with xtra cushioning, synthetic performance socks....)that I rotate through. You could also unknowingly be getting irritated by the seam on the toe of the sock??? Try them insideout.
    I remember going to Vegas (gambling trip) a couple of years ago and I thought my shoes fit really well, turns out I was wrong and ended up having to puncture BOTH big toenails due to black/blood blisters under the nail! OUCH!!! (But I got to buy new shoes...Ya outlet malls!!)
    Get your shoes and socks squared away before you train anymore!! Best way to treat injuries is to avoid them.
    Let us know how you're doing =)
  • wvmark41
    wvmark41 Posts: 124 Member
    I'm not an expert, but here's what works for me.

    Keep the nails trimmed.

    Keep the (properly fitted shoes) rather snug while walking/jogging. If the shoes are too lose, your feet can slide forward causing the toe to impact the front of the toe area of the shoe.

    When you think of it, consciously work those calf muscles and push off with your toes on long strides to where you can almost feel those little piggies curling up inside the shoes. This can help strengthen all those little muscles & tendons that have gotten lazy over the years.

    For the pain... ice is nice and foot massages are pretty darn good too.

    Hang in there!
  • anzura
    anzura Posts: 171
    I didn't read all the replies so I don't know if I'm repeating.

    Running shoes should be a FULL SIZE LARGER than you foot. I normally wear a size 8, but my runners are 9's.
    All shoes fit different. There are some with wide toe boxes, maybe yours are too narrow?
  • Tyelsmith
    Tyelsmith Posts: 2 Member
    YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I SUFFER FROM THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM ON BOTH FEET. I USUALLY HAVE PAIN FOR A WHOLE WEEK UNTIL MY TOES ADAPT TO ME RUNNING.I TRIED RUNNING IN DIFFERENT SHOES, CHANGING THE SOCKS I RAN IN, NOTHING HELPED. AND AFTER A WEEK OR SO OF RUNNING THEY NO LONGER BOTHERED ME. HOPEFULLY YOURS START FEELING BETTER SOON.
  • Julesjhj
    Julesjhj Posts: 150 Member
    Sounds like you need to go and get fitted for running shoes! I wear at least a size larger sometimes a size and a half depending on the make of the shoe. I dont have a wide foot but my toes like a wide toe box with plenty of spread room. I find that Adidas and Asics brands have a wider toe box than most. I have never been able to wear Nike's. Right now I'm in Asics Gel-1160s. Make sure your toenails are cut short. As the saying goes "no hoof, no horse" :wink:
  • Tree72
    Tree72 Posts: 942 Member
    As several others have mentioned, be sure you are wearing the correct size for running. That will be at least half to a whole size bigger than your regular work out shoes.

    Also, there's a way to lace shoes so that they stay more snug against your heel and your foot doesn't slip forward so much that might help. You can see a video of the method here: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12334-0,00.html It's the last one of the list for "my heel slides up and down". Though they have some other suggestions that may help you too.

    Hope you find some relief soon.
  • catcher_in_the_pie
    catcher_in_the_pie Posts: 37 Member
    I agree with some of the PP's. You should try going up in shoe size. Normally I wear 7 or 7.5, but my running shoes are 8.5. I learned this the hard way after my big toe nail fell off.
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