Oh Oh, my second toe!

lcnelson

My second toe is longer than my big toe. Never an issue with running so far until now. I ran an 8 mile course last Wednesday that had a very very steep .66 incline. No worries ascending as I had to walk it, but I ran back down it on the way back. My feet were killing me the entire way, but I noticed my 2nd toe (only on left foot) was super sore. It's no better a week later. I have since run twice and its pretty much dull when running, but it hurts all day long. The nail bed is where it hurts the most....I have trimmed it down as far as I can, but does not appear to be doing any good.
Am I going to lose that toenail? Anybody else with this issue?

mrshoffman07

Funny thing the second toe. I have lost that toe nail twice. It just falls off but now I use athletic tape on it before I run. Seems to do the trick.

blarics11

LOL! I thought I just had funky feet both my 2nd toes are longer than the rest

Pebble321

My second (left) toe isn't longer but it is the troublesome one too. I find that this is usually sore after a long run and I noticed last week when I was painting my nails that it looks bruised the day after my long run.
I'm going to get new shoes soon, so I'm planning to ask at the running store and see if they have any good advice.

dreambig_gohome

I've broken my second toe three times, and have developed chronic arthritis in that toe, which can cause pain no matter what physical activity I'm partaking in. I've not had any issues with the actual nail itself, but any kind of extra stress on those joints can cause serious problems down the road. I spend at least 4 hours a day in 3.5 inch high heels with my ballroom training, so protecting my longer second toes is paramount. Athletic tape is great for on the go needs and any extra support you can give your toes/feet/ankles etc. is good. I would also look into dance stores [especially online ones] for special gel supports and toe cushions, as dancers are constantly plagued by these types on pains and injuries and these cushions are patented specifically to relieve pressure and impact.

lcnelson

I totally just took a closer look at my toe, and its black underneath the bottom of the nailbed. (I have on bright pink nail polish, but would imagine its totally black under)
I hate to sound naive, but what do you do with the athletic tape? Tape toes together? On top?
Thanks for all of the advice!

dreambig_gohome

I wouldnt tape the toes together unless you're having a problem with the actual joints themselves. As it seems to be in the nail bed I would focus on using foam and athletic tape to create a cushiony barrier between your toenail and your shoe. When you run, especially on a downhill, your foot is actually sliding into the toe edge of your shoe, creating pressure and essentially jamming your longer second toe into that pocket, which is painful and is causing this issue. I would create a little cocoon around your toenail and the top of your toe to protect it, or invest in getting gel pad toe protectors like ballet dancers use in their point shoes. [Just google search ballet gel toe pads]

I've even used lamb's wool and other toe caps and cushions to protect mine while training. Hardwood floors are hard on my feet, and sometimes my poor toes look like they've been through a battle field, but anything to keep them protected and pain-free!