Ask any long distance runner, and they would have at least one black-toe-nail story to share. This used to happen to me a bit too often until recently. Any 20 km run or more meant coming back home with at least one black beauty. I have always flaunted them. Never once have I tried to hide them under a coat of nail polish or by wearing closed shoes. But unlike a lot of runners I have never clicked pictures of them and shared them on FB/Instragram. Eww!!!
The best way to treat them is to let the damaged ones to drop off and wait for the new ones to grow. But I can’t deny being scared of getting an infection. So, I did a lot of reading on the internet and mostly the causes stated for Subungal Hematoma* (medical term for runner’s toe) were – socks being too thick/thin, socks being too tight, shoes being too tight and constant action of the foot coming forward and hitting the roof of the shoe.
I changed my shoes (for several other reasons as well), kept my nails filed and trimmed and tried various brands of not so loose and not so tight Dry fit socks. Without even logging in excessive mileage, my feet still managed to look ‘pretty’ ugly and hardcore!! However, recently I switched to Marks and Spencer basic sports cotton socks. I have done several long runs (between 20-30 kms) post the switch and voila no more blackies!
At the end of the day, it is all about finding what works for you and what doesn’t.
*A subungual hematoma is a collection of blood (hematoma) underneath a toenail or fingernail (black toenail). It can be extremely painful for an injury of its size, although otherwise it is not a serious medical condition.
8 Comments
Good insight Anupriya… I too have couple of black beauties on each of my foot… I did change the shoes a couple of times but without having an impact… it might work by changing the socks… will try that. Thanks for sharing the experience.
1/ tried wider 2E shoes?
2/ http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Shoe_Modifications. cut open toe box
3/ I apply vaseline to my toes for 20k+ runs.
Thanks 🙂
Same happened with me anupriya…. and than i said myself..”I M RUNNER”…. Though my daughter got really scared and made me wear socks even in summers with slippers also….
Sonea – Yes, I’m a runner! Irrespective of your toe nails, your daughter must be so proud of you.
Nice topic.I also experience same thimg .nice informative topic u chose. God bless.thanks
Thank you 🙂
There is a new product on the market that helps.
Morton’s Toe Extender.
https://runnerstoe.com/