Somewhat strange running problem

berlynn_j
berlynn_j Posts: 299 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My problem stems from the fact that my toes aren't all that straight. In fact the last three all kind of curl into each other. Never been a problem before but now that I'm running and walking a lot it's become painful. My middle toe, even though I've cut the nail down to the quick and I cut it often, has rubbed the skin off the toe beside it. When I got back from my run today I had blood on my sock from the rubbing. I can't cut the nail any shorter. I've tried wrapping a baidand around it but it either comes off or drives me crazy. Because my toes are so close together it feels really uncomfortable to point of being painful when something is in between them (as in I can't wear toes socks because it actually hurts to have my toes pulled apart. Not sure what to try now, but I refuse to stop running. I just know my poor toes would like it if it didn't have to hurt to run.

Anyone have something similar happen? Any suggestions for fixing this?

Replies

  • calitravelingal
    calitravelingal Posts: 53
    I suffer from the nail dig to, but as long as i keep the ofending toenail cut i'm ok. I have so many ideas but with the annoyance factor most of them might not work for you. Things i suggest you try are to get a toe spacers, but wear them at night when sleeping or watching tv and see if that helps straigten you out. As for during your run i suggest liquid bandaid or bandaid brand also makes a chaffing/blister stick. You'll have to make sure you keep the nail cut but those items may stop any rubbing your getting without the bulk of a regular bandaid. You also might want to try some kind of insole. If you have insurance I'd go see a pediatist who I'm sure has better solutions than I for one can provide.
  • ZugTheMegasaurus
    ZugTheMegasaurus Posts: 801 Member
    It seems like a Band-Aid might be too big which would explain why it's uncomfortable, but have you tried just plain cloth/athletic tape? You could cut it smaller and it wouldn't be as thick. And I haven't tried this, but I wonder if a liquid bandage (like New Skin) would work. You could just spray on a couple layers and maybe that would be enough of a barrier. Just be forewarned that if you have any cuts or anything, it stings. Like there are no words to describe it.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Moleskin would stick better and probably not come off.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    Moleskin would stick better and probably not come off.

    This. And it comes in big pieces so you can cut it exactly to the size you need for the best results.
  • berlynn_j
    berlynn_j Posts: 299 Member
    Thanks for the advice! I have really enjoyed running so far and I don't want some little problem get in the way.
  • jess_two_goats
    jess_two_goats Posts: 3
    We have the same toes.
    The best thing I have ever bought and now only wear when I run are INJINJI running socks. They are toe socks.
    Have a look on Ebay for them.
    They wrap each toe so they don't blister or bleed, and it slightly straightens out your toes & moves them away from each other.
    I can run over 20k in these with no probs.
    My nails used to always cut my other toes & pinkies would blister bad before them. EBAY!!!!!
  • _Sally_
    _Sally_ Posts: 514 Member
    In addition to the great suggestions above, also make sure you have a running shoe with a roomy toe box. Most running shoes are pretty narrow in the toe area. I've have found that Saucony and Asic Gels tend to have a bit more room for the toes.
  • rowbseat13
    rowbseat13 Posts: 147 Member
    We have the same toes.
    The best thing I have ever bought and now only wear when I run are INJINJI running socks. They are toe socks.

    Yes, yes, yes, YES. I never run without Injinji or other toe socks. Fila makes some too that are vented on the top to keep your feet cool. The Injinji are on the expensive side (for socks) at about $8-$11 per pair. Got mine on Amazon for about $8. Different colors/sizes are different prices on there for some reason. The Fila ones are much easier to find in a store and a little cheaper. Got mine at Academy sports for $6, but have seen them at Shoe Carnival, Shoe Dept, ****'s, etc for comparable prices.

    EDIT: It censored D(i)ck's. Hah.

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