toe issue, help?

[tygab]

Hi all,
thought I'd get your input on an issue. In a thinly veiled effort to improve my running for tris I have been training for a 1/2 marathon in may - I figured it'd make me run a lot more, plus I can't even consider a HIM without understanding the running part... Despite some setbacks along the way, it's been mostly going well.

Well, I have this weird problem where my second toenail is getting all yucky, raised, and looks darker underneat. And it hurts, but not while I run, after. I assume it is a bruise, and I also think it means I am going to lose the nail if I keep doing whatever bad thing I am doing to it. FWIW, the tops of my second toes are also toughening. I have done some preliminary searches which suggest this may be a shoe size issue (too small).

Anyone here have experience with this, and is there anything I can do in the short term (approx 2 weeks) before I can get to a proper running store to see if they fit me to new shoes?

[RoadBunner]

Aaah, the black toenail This develops from your toe hitting the front/top of your shoe when you run. I've heard of and have had moderate success with changing to a shoe with a larger toe box. Go to your local running store and let them know your problem. I had a pair of shoes that gave me black toenails during training and switched to a different one that never gave me a problem. So I think it is definitely a shoe-fit issue. My current model never gives me black toenails during training (even 20+ milers), but during the last two marathons I've gotten three (lost one completely, one is now hanging on halfway and the third is likely just going to have to grow out).

I haven't tried this, but maybe it will work for you:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/...ctid1325126871

[tygab]

Hmm, thanks! That is a cool laces trick!

I don't feel like the toe is hitting the top of the shoe, but maybe? It feels more like it is digging into the sole, but as I said it doesn't really hurt while I run, just when I stop. So it's hard to say what I am doing while running that is causing this.

Do you have to do anything to a toe that is regrowing the nail? Not having this before I am imagining all sorts of other problems that could happen.

[emily_in_nc]

I got black toenail on my left big toe after just a couple times wearing a pair of running shoes that were too small in the toe box and the same size as I normally wear in street shoes. I learned a lot researching that -- one thing is that I need to buy running shoes at least 1/2 size larger than street shoes. It took nearly a year for the toenail to become "normal" again, since it was the big toe (it never fell completely off, thankfully), and I've never had a recurrence.

Google "black toenail" for much more information. New shoes are the first order of business, as others have said. Good luck!

Emily

[stacy]

Last fall I ran/walked a 10 km. My second toes on both feet were black when I took off my shoes. I spoke to my dr and he said I likely curl my toes under when running and that he had lost all 10 toenails after his first run. His suggestion was to train myself to keep my toes relaxed while running. I lost both toenails but was pleased to find when they had fallen off that I had two lovely new nails underneath that looked wonderful!

[yellow]

Sometimes I would get discolored toenails if my sock was wonky or who knows what. But you'd never know it because I use the disguise of polish. With Shanghai Shimmer, they always look good (even if they are black underneath)!

(yeah, the trails are a little dusty around these here parts...)

[RoadBunner]

I've found that if the nail totally falls off, there's actually a very thin "nail" remaining underneath (vs. say regular skin). I just let it grow and eventually it thickens back up to normal. Make sure your toenails are trimmed as short as possible, too. If they're long, that's more leverage for the nail to get lifted off

[Wahine]

You are likely hitting the nail somehow when you run. I never feel anything while I'm doing an activity, only later. Just has to do with endorphins during exercise etc. I have to buy running shoes a full size larger than my street shoes to keep from hitting my nails in the toe box. So yup, I'd say you need new shoes.

[katluvr]

I have small feet and short toes...no really they are short! I, too, when I get to running distances get this ucky toe nail on my second toe. Last time I had it on both feet. I tried to keep it trimmed short. Yes, it feels like it is lifting up...then it gets gnarly (yes, I call it my gnarly toes) and thick under neath. This time I still kept trimming AND the never fell off. SO it is now summer--yes, I keep them painted and I am still "trimming" as they slowly grow out. My shoes are plenty big and nice roomy toe box. Anyone use any of teh toe guards. I worry about causing blistes if I try anythign like that. (Plus my toes are so small doubt the would fit!). I am not running much right now--but plan an 1/2 marathon in Nov. I just don't want to go thru this again.

[Kimmyt]

I've found that if the nail totally falls off, there's actually a very thin "nail" remaining underneath (vs. say regular skin). I just let it grow and eventually it thickens back up to normal. Make sure your toenails are trimmed as short as possible, too. If they're long, that's more leverage for the nail to get lifted off

Be careful trimming them very short, as this could lead to ingrowns. If you cut the toenal in a straight line across instead of making a deep curve down in twoards the side of the nail it is less likely to become ingrown.

My toenails are constantly in a state of disarray. I would think the missing toenail means your shoes are too small. I increased a 1/2 size in my most recent pair of running shoes, so now I wear a 9 in running shoes instead of my regular 8 1/2 street shoe. Your feet move around alot so make sure you ahve room!

K.