Question for all the runners on here

Losing2Live1989
Losing2Live1989 Posts: 423 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I heard a rumor that runners get bruise toe nails...is this true?

Replies

  • bankmd
    bankmd Posts: 20
    It can happen. Usually, I have to run more than 9 miles or so to see blisters or bruising (usually blood blisters under my toenails from running downhill that makes it look purple under my toenail). After a marathon and sometimes a half marathon, my feet will look pretty beat up. But I run on my forefoot, and my foot slides forward with my stride. Many people have no issues with blisters or toenails. You can use Body Glide and socks made for running, as well as shoes that are the correct size and appropriate for your stride to avoid issues.
  • AEFidgets
    AEFidgets Posts: 243
    It can happen but good shoes and socks should keep you safe.
  • chosengiver
    chosengiver Posts: 1,462 Member
    Toenails are for sissys!
    LoL
    I lost 1 during training and 1 after my 1st 1/2 Mary.
    It happens, but they grow back.
    You just look funny in open-toe plats!
  • RunMyOregonBunsOff
    RunMyOregonBunsOff Posts: 862 Member
    You just need your shoes to be a little roomy in the toe box. When I first started running I was wearing my running shoes that I used for the gym before I was pregnant with my first child...this was two children later. They felt fine when I was walking but I bruised them really bad running. Get good shoes and it's best if you can get them from a running store and not a regular shoe store so that the sales person can watch you run and help you find the right shoe for you. My local place has no interest in selling me their most expensive shoes, just the ones that are right for me. Good luck!
  • zoukeira
    zoukeira Posts: 313 Member
    Good shoes and socks save my toenails running, but dance is another story! I tend to lose two toenails a year to dance shoes... Hmmm maybe I should dance in thurlos...
  • jacqueline102
    jacqueline102 Posts: 41
    My shoes are a half size too small and I just got bruised toenails big time. I think I would not have this problem if my runners fit fine.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I've only been running since January, and my longest distance only between 5-6 miles, but I've never had a bruised toenail from it. :bigsmile:
  • Hannah645
    Hannah645 Posts: 75 Member
    Yes, it's possible but I think it's more common with runners who train for very long distances. I've never had any toenail injuries.

    The most uncomfortable adjustment for me was thigh chafing. Once I lost a little more weight and bought fitted compression shorts, it seemed to prevent the chafing.

    If you're considering starting running, I would recommend couch to 5k. It's a great program for beginners. It suggests you jog 3 days a week. It does a great jog of easing you into it because the longest you ever jog at one time in the first week is one minute. There is a free app you can download if you have a smartphone.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    25 marathons, over 18,000 miles of running and I've never had any toe nail problems. YMMV
  • californiagirl2012
    californiagirl2012 Posts: 2,625 Member
    I heard a rumor that runners get bruise toe nails...is this true?

    It depends on your feet. I over pronate and when I ran marathons I used to lose my big toe nail all the time. But I found if I had softer toe area it would wear a hole in the top of the shoe and I prefer that to losing a toe nail. I think getting proper shoes for your feet helps as well.
    Normal Pronation
    The outside part of the heel makes initial contact with the ground. The foot "rolls" inward about fifteen percent, comes in complete contact with the ground, and can support your body weight without any problem. The rolling in of the foot optimally distributes the forces of impact. This movement is called "pronation," and it's critical to proper shock absorption. At the end of the gait cycle, you push off evenly from the front of the foot.

    Overpronation
    As with the "normal pronation" sequence, the outside of the heel makes the initial ground contact. However, the foot rolls inward more than the ideal fifteen percent, which is called "overpronation." This means the foot and ankle have problems stabilizing the body, and shock isn't absorbed as efficiently. At the end of the gait cycle, the front of the foot pushes off the ground using mainly the big toe and second toe, which then must do all the work.

    Underpronation
    Again, the outside of the heel makes initial contact with the ground. But the inward movement of the foot occurs at less than fifteen percent (i.e., there is less rolling in than for those with normal or flat feet). Consequently, forces of impact are concentrated on a smaller area of the foot (the outside part), and are not distributed as efficiently. In the push-off phase, most of the work is done by the smaller toes on the outside of the foot.

    from http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-7727-0,00.html
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    I've had very minor soreness on a couple toes after 10-13 mile runs...otherwise, no issues.
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    25 marathons, over 18,000 miles of running and I've never had any toe nail problems. YMMV

    YMMV=your mileage (results) may vary?

    I had to look that up in a slang dictionary :)
  • AnnACnd
    AnnACnd Posts: 72 Member
    Depends how far and or how well your shoes fit. I get my shoes a full size larger to avoid pressure on my toes.
  • Losing2Live1989
    Losing2Live1989 Posts: 423 Member
    Thank yall so much for yalls help. I love running and wanna become a runner and when I heard this it scared me...So thanks for making me feel better!
  • marikevr
    marikevr Posts: 389 Member
    Being female it is easy to hide! I cover my toe nails (or lack thereof) with dark nail polish.
  • ixap
    ixap Posts: 675 Member
    Being female it is easy to hide! I cover my toe nails (or lack thereof) with dark nail polish.
    LOL me too.

    My right foot is a tiny bit bigger I think, and my right big toe is always, always bruised.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    Been running almost 3 yeas, two marathons and too many half marathons to count, never a black toenail yet.
  • healthynotthin
    healthynotthin Posts: 223 Member
    I find if I run on the balls of my feet instead of the heels (really only necessary for downhill) I can avoid these fairly well. I've never had problems but I've only been running for about a year.
  • LindsayE007
    LindsayE007 Posts: 212 Member
    I ran 19 miles today. I have run 3 halfs and never had this problem. But I attribute this to running shoes that fit properly.
  • nickyfm
    nickyfm Posts: 1,214 Member
    Mmm never happened to me. But i wear special sports orthotics, and really good quality shoes. All about the footwear baby!!
  • CarrieAbbey
    CarrieAbbey Posts: 378 Member
    When I first started training for my first half marathon I lost 2 toenails. Once I got proper shoes and laced them properly as well (didn't know there was a better way :noway: ) I have not had one problem. Good luck.

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