toe pain from running

squishprincess
squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
edited November 13 in Fitness and Exercise
it's not just the shoes. i recently bought a new pair of comfy nikes to run in, not too tight, not too loose and not too flat, which was the problem with my previous shoes i was using. it's just that my second toe on each foot (more so my right foot) tend to push against my shoes as i run, causing the toenail to lift a little and it's sooo sore after i've finished running.

is there a way to prevent this, with like athletic tape or something? cus i keep my toenails trimmed, so it's not like theyre too long or something. what to do? it's putting a damper in my walking & running. :neutral_face:

Replies

  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    I hate to break it to you, but it is those shoes. "Comfy" just isn't good enough for running! Next time get fitted at a specialist running shop. Also, most runners wear a half or full size bigger as feet swell during a run and the action of running pushes the foot forward. I'm size 6 (UK) but wear 7 in running shoes.

    In the meantime, a plaster or surgical tape should keep your toenail in place.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    edited March 2015
    squishprincess wrote: »
    it's not just the shoes. i recently bought a new pair of comfy nikes to run in, not too tight, not too loose and not too flat, which was the problem with my previous shoes i was using. it's just that my second toe on each foot (more so my right foot) tend to push against my shoes as i run, causing the toenail to lift a little and it's sooo sore after i've finished running.

    is there a way to prevent this, with like athletic tape or something? cus i keep my toenails trimmed, so it's not like theyre too long or something. what to do? it's putting a damper in my walking & running. :neutral_face:

    Sounds like you have Mortons toe, in that the second toe is longer than the others. What you're experiencing is movement of the foot within the shoe, which suggests inappropriate fit, or lacing. Your foot is sliding forward as you land, so causing the toe to impact the inside of the shoe, and bruise. So they're probably either a bit loose, or too short for you.

    Assuming that you got the shoes at a decent running shop they should have a returns policy and they can advise on either a more appropriate shoe, more appropriate size or how to lace up to avoid that forward and backward movement.

    There are a small number of studies that suggest that shoe fitting isn't an important consideration, although the weight of evidence tends towards suggesting it's best for the majority of people. Not everyone, but most. If you didn't get them fitted then I'd suggest trying that approach.

    Personally I'm not a fan of the half size bigger approach, particularly for something like runners toenail, as it'll exacerbate it.

    If you've already got black toenail, then you could wait for it to grow out. Personally when I've had it I've lanced the blister and let it bleed freely.
  • squishprincess
    squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
    agh. how annoying! i'd love to go to a specialist to have a shoe fit, but at the moment i don't have the extra cash! i've never been fitted for a special shoe so that will be exciting when i get the chance. i'll just to have to deal w/ the tape for now i guess, until i'm able to go to the store.

    i only bought the nikes i have currently because they were on sale and i didnt have any proper athletic shoes with me before (currently visiting out of state)
  • squishprincess
    squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
    also do running shops carry small sizes, like kid sizes? i have small feet. sorry if that's a dumb question, ive just never had the opportunity to visit a running shop
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    squishprincess wrote: »
    agh. how annoying! i'd love to go to a specialist to have a shoe fit, but at the moment i don't have the extra cash! i've never been fitted for a special shoe so that will be exciting when i get the chance. i'll just to have to deal w/ the tape for now i guess, until i'm able to go to the store.

    i only bought the nikes i have currently because they were on sale and i didnt have any proper athletic shoes with me before (currently visiting out of state)

    beg, steal or borrow the cash to get proper running shoes... it will be 100% worth it to stop injuries.
  • squishprincess
    squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    squishprincess wrote: »
    agh. how annoying! i'd love to go to a specialist to have a shoe fit, but at the moment i don't have the extra cash! i've never been fitted for a special shoe so that will be exciting when i get the chance. i'll just to have to deal w/ the tape for now i guess, until i'm able to go to the store.

    i only bought the nikes i have currently because they were on sale and i didnt have any proper athletic shoes with me before (currently visiting out of state)

    beg, steal or borrow the cash to get proper running shoes... it will be 100% worth it to stop injuries.

    lol tempting.. my bf did actually just help me pay for the basic shoes i just got. i'll just slow down on running for now. in the process of moving, looking for a new job. then it's new shoesies time
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    My second toe is longer than my big toe. I have to make sure I buy shoes at least a half or full size larger than what I am used to. Otherwise, you will have that rubbing of the toes. It doesn't cost anything to go to a running store and get tested for what kind of running shoe is best for you. You don't even have to buy the running shoes once you get fitted.

    Personally, I am not a fan of Nike. I know some people love them, but I find them too flimsy for me.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    lawkat wrote: »
    ...You don't even have to buy the running shoes once you get fitted.

    However it's a bit parasitic not to buy them from the place that's provided the service.

  • beemerphile1
    beemerphile1 Posts: 1,710 Member
    It could also be your stride/foot strike. If your foot strike is causing your toes to be crammed into the shoe at each step you will end up with black toenails consistently.

    As to the shoes, you want a shoe that is snug but not tight. You don't want your foot to slide forward and back in the shoe.
  • squishprincess
    squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
    i'll just wait until i have the money to actually buy the pair of shoes when i get fitted, cus im already there and would just feel anxious not going through with a purchase after receiving the fitting service. it'll have to be in a few weeks though.

    the nikes i just got fit way better than the other shoes i have at least, my other ones were a bit too loose. it's pretty much only my right 2nd toe being affected. i guess it's my longest toe LOL

    i do try to be conscious of my stepping & stride, but i'm sure there's times im not paying attention, especially going uphill/downhill. it's just mostly my right toe that gives me issues. i'll just cut it off (kidding...)
  • SuggaD
    SuggaD Posts: 1,369 Member
    It's the shoes. Your feet swell when you run. Get a proper fitting.
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