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Black Toenail

bethany6709
bethany6709 Posts: 23
in Social Groups
My toenail on my big toe has started to turn black and it really hurts. Has running caused this problem for anyone else?...and what do I do to stop the pain?

I'm worried the nail is going to fall off and I have no idea how to treat it :sad:

Replies

  • glin23
    glin23 Posts: 460 Member
    I you really need it you can use a heated paper clip and poke a hole on the toe nail. That's a common way to do it if the pain is bad. That said the toe nail is going to fall off/be replaced by a new one. And yes I know how you feel. I currently have one and have had it for a few months now.
  • IronAngel26pt2
    IronAngel26pt2 Posts: 129 Member
    I read about black toenails happening to a lot of people. I’ve had a few sore toenails after 16+ mile runs and one partial black after a 26 mile run. I usually only wear shoes for 300 miles before replacing and my toes have plenty of wiggle room. Good luck! Sounds painful.
  • MinimalistShoeAddict
    MinimalistShoeAddict Posts: 1,946 Member
    This has happened to me as well. From what I have read it is most often caused by either:

    1. Shoes that are not properly sized
    2. Running downhill
    3. Increasing mileage too quickly

    How long ago did this happen? Usually the pressure underneath the nail will dissipate within a few days. As glin23 stated it can take a while to grow out a fresh toenail.
  • WebbyShoo
    WebbyShoo Posts: 115 Member
    My Morton's toe nails fall off a few times per year, the ache goes away after a few days. :) I paint fake ones on....
  • RunnerElizabeth
    RunnerElizabeth Posts: 1,091 Member
    I think I currently have all my toenails. A few weeks ago I was missing 3. Socks are generally the culprits for me. My neighbors have the tendency to take my socks, so sometimes I end up running in socks with seams in bad spots.

    Anyway, when they hurt, I take advil for the pain. When it comes off and is esentially an open wound, I cover with liquid bandage. Tip from one of my mfp runner friends.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Usually means that your shoes are too small. I buy my running shoes a full size up.
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    Usually means that your shoes are too small. I buy my running shoes a full size up.

    Yup. Happened to me once...I refuse to let it happen again.
  • 58Rock
    58Rock Posts: 176 Member
    Definitely make sure your shoes fit properly and you have good socks. Regarless, if you run long distances, chances are you will one day get black toenail. Happens to most everyone, especially ultra runners. I read an interesting article about a man who had all of his toenails surgically remaoved because he was always getting black toes. A little extreme, but it worked for him as he was not going to give up running long distances.
  • dutchk
    dutchk Posts: 121 Member
    Here's an interesting read. Black toenails may be caused, not only by ill fitting shoes or socks, but by simply training for the long run. http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/injury_archives/black_toe.html
  • bethany6709
    bethany6709 Posts: 23
    Thanks everyone for all the advice and the article. I feel better that this is common among long distance runners and not some type of infection. Someone fitted me for running shoes at Sports Authority but I don't think they did a very good job. I ran in them for a week or two, but switched back to my old shoes because they felt uncomfortable. Soon after my toenail started to turn black so those may have been the cause. I guess I was just too late to catch the problem before it affected my toe.

    Now its just a waiting game for the nail to fall off. Appreciate all the help!:smile:

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