toenail pain / cycling

[bunny_ninja]

My big toe on my my right foot...

The top left corner *hurts* after about 40 miles. My mom says it is an 'ingrown toenail'. It doesn't look bad. i suppose it bends in and down a bit more than my other big toe's nail...

I can't exactly trim the nail more - I think that'd make it actually 'ingrown'.

the toenail pain is pretty sharp, and it makes the long rides rather painful. I've been doing some hilly rides in high temps/humidity. Everything is fine -- except the toenail.

The shoes are not new. I've had them since February. I am afraid to get a pedicure, so I haven't had some nut trimming my nails too much (I hate how close down they get).

Any suggestions for alleviating the pain *or* even fixing my problem?

[KnottedYet]

I see this a lot with my patients.

You might want to look into larger shoes, or shoes with a wider toe box, or shoes built on a more "curved last"; especially during the warm season.

(it's the shoe's fault, not the toenail's fault)

Edit To Add: the reason it matters more in the warm season is because feet are juicier in the warm weather and take up more room.

[bunny_ninja]

My sidi's... :-(
I do so love them.

[KnottedYet]

You can ask a shoe repair shop to stretch the medial side of the toe box. They've got cool stretcher thingys. Or you can stretch it yourself with a broom handle.

Jam the broom handle into the area that touches your big toe.
Work the broom handle into the shoe in that spot, stretching it, for about one or two TV shows. (you need something to distract you, cuz this is a boring procedure)

Keep trying the shoe to make sure you are beating up the upper in the right spot.

Repeat as necessary.

[marni]

I would also check the fit of my socks- if there is a seam it can be a pressure point on you toe(s). I am very picky about my socks because of this.

marni

[Kiwi Stoker]

Go to a podiatrist and get your feet checked and nails trimmed. They will show you how you can trim your nails so there's no sharp points digging in.

Contrary to what some people say, cutting your nails straight across DOESN'T prevent ingrown toenails. The rule is DON'T do self surgery!

[bunny_ninja]

thank you for all the good suggestions. I trimmed my toenail corner a bit more, for haha's -- I usually do it straight across for the aforementioned reason. As a former runner, I am always nervous about my toenails.

I had a really crap day today, and I didn't get to ride. Hopefully, the weather will hold out tomorrow night and I can squeeze in some extra miles (even if I have to lug my giant work laptop...)

I won't get to really test out my toenail until Saturday on a long ride. I'm on call for work right now, and I'm tethered to my laptop and a phone.

So, the plan for the week: try to stretch the shoe myself. moisturize the skin around the nail of the toe - so it is nice and soft. Saturday: if the weather holds, then try to get a nice, fat 85 miler in... :-)

After that, I will try the other suggestions.

[sarahspins]

I would also check the fit of my socks- if there is a seam it can be a pressure point on you toe(s). I am very picky about my socks because of this.

marni

Teko's have no seams

[stokerpam]

I have toe pain to a lesser degree. I shove a sock into the shoes & keep it there until the next ride. Helps stretch the toe box, also thin seamless socks help too. Have long thin feet & am very hard to fit.

[bunny_ninja]

I have long thin feet too!

I trimmed my toenails differently, and it seems to have helped. The biggest thing, however, is that I realized I was curling my toes on my right foot while riding. I guess I got into the habit from trying to encourage blood flow (I have Raynaud's Disease). It is warm now (uh, like really warm... summer, ya know), so I am consciously trying to relax my foot. It is amazing how bad habits form! Due to my narrow feet, I also curl my toes to keep shoes secure. It is hard to find narrow non-athletic shoes...

Another thing - I wasn't tightening up my right sidi enough.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to test these corrective actions out much. There was a lot of rain, then I had a bad headache for 8 days in a row, and now I am 'on call' for work for 7 days. All I get to do is ride my trainer while I am on call. I need to be less than 15 minutes from a laptop at all times.*grumble*

The weather is perfect for riding this weekend, and I am limited to a trainer! Every cyclist I saw riding today made me so jealous!