Why do runners lose toenails

As a runner, your feet are subjected to a lot of indignities. Sweaty socks, dirty shoes, and all that impact. So much impact. OK, back to the effects of running. Thicker socks can be cushioning, but just make sure the thickness is not making the shoe too tight, Dr. If you can, try on your socks with your running shoes so you can gauge how they will fit when you run. The experts at a running store can help you make the right choice.

Having a doctor check out any pigmentation change on your skin is always a smart idea. In fact, you may even see pigment spreading to the tissue surrounding the nail, says Dr. While subungual melanoma is the most concerning fear with a black toenail, there are other conditions that can cause it too.

While some causes of black toenails can be serious, the vast majority of time runners experience one, they can simply point to their form of exercise as the most likely cause. Chances are the repetitive trauma of pounding the pavement is to blame. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Read more. Blood blisters can also develop under the toenail secondary to the trauma and friction. The action can lift up the toenail, which may cause the nail to eventually fall off. Black, loose or missing toenails can be a common injury among runners, especially those who are training for marathons or highly competitive runners training at high intensity.

Your toenails will heal when you ease up on your training and the repetitive trauma aka your running mechanics ends or changes. Blood blisters that lift the nail plate up are often painful and an infection can develop if left untreated. If too much blood collects under the nail, it may be necessary to have a podiatrist drain the blood, which can give you some relief from the pain.

Some runners try to hide their black toenails with polish , but avoid the paint, Dr. Wait until it literally falls off, or trim it back with nail clippers. What did you do? Week 1 of marathon training and I already have two the ones next to my big toes that are bruised and turning black. Ha ha. These are the two which always go first for me unfortunately….

Week 2 in my marathon training and the one on my little toe is ready to go….. So I am the unfortunate person that has lost both my big toenails and a variety of others, all my nails are also very thick. I am very much a troll. This is not all from running though the nail loss is , the thickness sorry, so gross is from just being clumsy and walking into everything and everything over my 29 years. Pricey yes but well worth it.

They also respect that as runners you do need a little bit of toughness on your feet. The last time I went she used a new product on me which built me a toenail and has lasted very well, coming on two months now.