When I run my toenails fall off. help

taytaylynn3
taytaylynn3 Posts: 601
in Fitness and Exercise
I didn't know where to post this.

I love to run...it's just my thing, but.....

It doesn't matter the type of shoes, if they're too big or too small or how long I wear them for...no matter what, when I run my 2 toenails, right next to my big toe loosen up and eventually fall off.
I have no idea how to prevent this, or what could help so they stop falling off every year. It's a huge pain. I know this can be a fairly common thing with runner, but I am sick and tired of it and it sucks!

Does anyone have any suggestions to make this happen less, or how to take certain pressures off of my toes so this doesn't happen?
It's summer, and I hate to have to cover my toes because I have a missing toenail or 2..

PLEASE HELP

Replies

  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    i would suggest going to the doctor. you probalby have something going on like a fungus
  • GNeiswender
    GNeiswender Posts: 60 Member
    If it happens when you have too big or too small of a shoe - it is probably the way you run. When you run you probably lift your toes in your sneaker, it is common.
  • 12by311
    12by311 Posts: 1,716 Member
    I know you say it doesn't matter the shoe, but have you been fitted for shoes at a running store?
  • taytaylynn3
    taytaylynn3 Posts: 601
    I know you say it doesn't matter the shoe, but have you been fitted for shoes at a running store?
    I have been before, yes.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Do you keep your nails clipped short?
  • tmaryam
    tmaryam Posts: 289 Member
    This happened to my mom after being on her feet all day in poorly fitted shoes. (The nails grew back.) See an orthotics specialist, you may need custom-fit shoes. Good luck!
  • taytaylynn3
    taytaylynn3 Posts: 601
    Do you keep your nails clipped short?
    Always!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Do you keep your nails clipped short?
    Always!

    What kind of distances are you running?
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    what about trying those toe running shoes? Part of the close to barefoot movement.
  • pobalita
    pobalita Posts: 741 Member
    In for responses. I for the past two years, I have never had 10 toenails at once - just 8 right now. I've tried everything - multiple pairs of good shoes that were fitted in running stores, orthotics, taping, keeping toenails short, non-cotton socks, etc. Nothing has helped for me. I think maybe it has to do with the way I land although the wear on my shoes is even and my feet don't hurt.

    I just slapped a "toenails are for sissies" sticker on my bumper and learned to live with it.

    For reference, I generally lose them from the second, middle, and rarely the pinkie toes.
  • prattiger65
    prattiger65 Posts: 1,657 Member
    I have seen somewhere......can't remember where, an appliance that goes into the toebox of your shoe specifically designed to reduce black toe.
  • actlc
    actlc Posts: 84
    I used to get lots of black toenails with pain (eventually fell off) on my toes next to big toe. The major problem is the shoes too small. Here is what I do to minimize this problem:
    1. running shoes +1 size bigger. basketball shoes +2 size bigger.
    2. make sure nails are short/clipped.
    3. make sure my socks are not tight and make them a little loose at toes. (socks can give you black toenails too if too tight)

    Nowadays I only get black toenails when I forget to clip my nails.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,292 Member
    what about trying those toe running shoes? Part of the close to barefoot movement.
    I run in vibram fivefingers - haven't had issues with the tops of the toes rubbing, but have gotten blisters at the bottom of the big toes (apparently that has to do with form as well). A slow transition helps build up enough callouses to enjoy pain free running :happy:
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    Sounds like you need a taller toe box and probably a squarer/ wider one as well. Is the toe that loses the nail longer than your big toe by any chance? You are probably driving it into the top of the toe box as you run. Also are you using a running shoe that is a size up from your daily walking shoes. Feet swell with the running motion/impact and need more room.

    I find that moving in to a men's shoe rather than a woman's, gives me a better fit as the lasts are cut differently. I have used the online chat feature at road runner sport to get recommendations for shoes that will fit my need for a high and wide toe box but a narrow heel, low Achilles notch/back with support for high arches. Then I try them on locally before I purchase online. I like the return policy from road runner sport, you can run in a purchase for a month to see if the fit is right and still return for credit, if they are do not work out.
  • TattooedNici
    TattooedNici Posts: 2,141 Member
    I'm thinking it could be fungus. You don't have to have the yellow colored, splitting nail sign to have fungus. For someone that had it for years before finding an insurance company that covers that sort of issue; I can tell you that the sooner you get it checked out, the better. Best of luck to you!
  • Xaudelle
    Xaudelle Posts: 122 Member
    I'm gonna admit that this made me laugh until I realized this was an actual issue that actually occurs to more than one person. I'm sorry.

    I hope that your toes are okay and not in pain, at least! Maybe it's just one of those crazy things that happens to good people? Have you talked to a doc about it?
  • dtimedwards
    dtimedwards Posts: 319 Member
    Try lacing your shoes differently. One of the on-line running stores (forget which one) has a video tutorial on alternate lacing methods to prevent all kinds of problems, including nail issues.
  • GertrudeHorse
    GertrudeHorse Posts: 646 Member
    This is very common problem with long distance runners. Google "runner toes" and you will find some suggestions. But if your distances are long enough they can be unavoidable.

    ETA: to this day only eight of my toenails grow. The thing I found most helpful was making some padding and wrapping the toe in sports tape.
  • taytaylynn3
    taytaylynn3 Posts: 601
    ETA: to this day only eight of my toenails grow. The thing I found most helpful was making some padding and wrapping the toe in sports tape.

    That's what I'm trying to avoid!
    As of right now my toenails are still growing back, I want to have them all forever lol.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    It could be a few things

    The toe box on your shoes might be too tight
    You might need to go up a size in shoes to accommodate swelling (I normally wear a 9, but do a 10 or 10.5 in running shoes)
    You could try 'ladder lacing' instead of regular lacing to reduce pressure on the top of your foot
    You could be running a lot of steep downhills (that causes it in ultra runners),
    You could just be one of those people who's toenails fall off.
  • eslcity
    eslcity Posts: 323 Member
    sheeze... i'm so glad i'm not a runner... but a city walker and a country/ nature park hiker.... didn't know you could lose toe nails running... and that it was something so common... doesn't it hurt?
  • Daisyisacat
    Daisyisacat Posts: 47
    The advice I recently read was to use nail polish on the skin directly or glue the nail to the new nail and paint it. Doesn't fix the problem but will camouflage it. If someone (uninvited) gets so close to your feet that they can tell, you have bigger concerns then a couple of nail less toes. :smile:
  • GertrudeHorse
    GertrudeHorse Posts: 646 Member
    ETA: to this day only eight of my toenails grow. The thing I found most helpful was making some padding and wrapping the toe in sports tape.

    That's what I'm trying to avoid!
    As of right now my toenails are still growing back, I want to have them all forever lol.

    Yeah I don't really know what to suggest. I think it's just one of those things. You can take steps to minimise it (e.g. good fitting shoes, thick socks, short toenails, etc) but I think almost half of marathon runners have this problem. Be glad you aren't peeing blood yet. Now that ain't fun!
  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    A lot of times, it's the way you run.

    Do this: have someone watch you (and maybe even video you) walk barefooted. They need to watch what you do with your toes very closely (meaning they might need to get their eyes down to toe level!). When you walk, you might "pick up" those toes. Typically, the pick up happens with the big toe and toes next to it. If you do this and the toe box of your shoe is a little short (in height, not toe box width), then think about what your toes are subjected to on a long run. Hitting the top of the shoe, over and over.

    Another thing that will predispose you to this is having a long second toe. Not necessarily a Morton's toe, but if it's long, it can have greater/more frequent contact with the top of the shoe.

    I used to have this same problem. I have long, skinny toes. I solved it (mostly) by learning to keep my toes flat and by wearing toe socks (Injinji socks). I think the toe socks were the biggest help. I also have giant calluses on the ends of my #2 toes. Over the years the problem has lessened but...never gone away 100%. I always keep my toenails painted. If I lose the nail, then I paint the skin. You can't tell from a distance that there isn't a toenail there. :laugh:
  • taytaylynn3
    taytaylynn3 Posts: 601
    A lot of times, it's the way you run.

    Do this: have someone watch you (and maybe even video you) walk barefooted. They need to watch what you do with your toes very closely (meaning they might need to get their eyes down to toe level!). When you walk, you might "pick up" those toes. Typically, the pick up happens with the big toe and toes next to it. If you do this and the toe box of your shoe is a little short (in height, not toe box width), then think about what your toes are subjected to on a long run. Hitting the top of the shoe, over and over.

    Another thing that will predispose you to this is having a long second toe. Not necessarily a Morton's toe, but if it's long, it can have greater/more frequent contact with the top of the shoe.

    I used to have this same problem. I have long, skinny toes. I solved it (mostly) by learning to keep my toes flat and by wearing toe socks (Injinji socks). I think the toe socks were the biggest help. I also have giant calluses on the ends of my #2 toes. Over the years the problem has lessened but...never gone away 100%. I always keep my toenails painted. If I lose the nail, then I paint the skin. You can't tell from a distance that there isn't a toenail there. :laugh:
    I never thought of toe socks. I just find those uncomfortable, but if it may help me keeping my toenails, then i am all for it!
  • nsimon24
    nsimon24 Posts: 115 Member

    Another thing that will predispose you to this is having a long second toe. Not necessarily a Morton's toe, but if it's long, it can have greater/more frequent contact with the top of the shoe.

    I used to have this same problem. I have long, skinny toes. I solved it (mostly) by learning to keep my toes flat and by wearing toe socks (Injinji socks). I think the toe socks were the biggest help. I also have giant calluses on the ends of my #2 toes. Over the years the problem has lessened but...never gone away 100%. I always keep my toenails painted. If I lose the nail, then I paint the skin. You can't tell from a distance that there isn't a toenail there. :laugh:

    I am really glad you posted. I just started running and I've already got a nail that is getting ready to fall off (right now it is at the annoying snag level) and developing some of the same issues. I am going to try the toe socks when I get my new running shoes (hoping soon) since it sounds like my feet are shaped the same way. Thanks!
  • Otterluv
    Otterluv Posts: 9,083 Member
    sheeze... i'm so glad i'm not a runner... but a city walker and a country/ nature park hiker.... didn't know you could lose toe nails running... and that it was something so common... doesn't it hurt?

    Oh, it also happens to hikers/backpackers. I suspect it's from hiking downhill (well, downmountain), toes getting pressed forward in your boot for a prolonged period. I've never had it happen (yet), but I know plenty of long distance trail runners/hikers who have.
  • ROBOTFOOD
    ROBOTFOOD Posts: 5,527 Member
    This is going to sound crazy but in my 6 yrs of distance running, I have never had any black toes or lose any nails. Sure I've had tons of blisters in the first few years. Over time my feet got all calloused and I really don't get any anymore. I'll likely get a minor one now if I'm on a 30 miler in the mountains. Maybe it's due to you're foot strike pattern? IDK. I'm a mid foot striker. But run on toes up hills. I always keep my nails trimmed as short as possible. And I like my shoes really tight so theres no movement. I wear size 10- 9.5 in normal shoes, 9 in running shoes. I don't know why I do it but it feels the best for ME.
    If I had you're problem, I'd start studying my foot strike. Maybe try to change it.
    Post you're question on the Runnersworld.com forums and the Letsrun.com forums. Lot's of experts there. Pretty sure you'll get good answers on those boards.
  • Sartajsingh85
    Sartajsingh85 Posts: 24 Member
    Have you tried VIBRAM Shoes

    http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

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