Runners toenail

[tony_a]

Think I have my first instance of black toenail. Felt a slight discomfort at the tip of one of my toes on yesterday’s 15k and noticed today it’s nice and black at the tip / going under the toenail. I was contemplating posting a photo but some of you may be browsing the forum over mealtimes so I will spare you 😀

I know it’s quite common at longer, marathon level distances but am quite surprised to get it at 15k. I wonder if the heat made my feet swell more than they would normally and rub on my shoes.

Plenty of room in the shoes (I even took them back to the shop to add a half size despite the teasing from the lady there who said they were plenty big enough - sure she was right but they didn’t feel quite right so had to go bigger).

Anyone else experienced this at relatively short distances?

I’m not particularly bothered by it, not expecting it will stop me running, but interested to know if it’s common?

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

I have had issue with the toes next to my big toe getting the nail pushed up. I don't think it is shoe length as plenty of room there so could be rubbing on top of shoe and lifting the nail. It's not uncommon for runners to break through the top of a shoe with the rubbing of a nail so worth checking there.

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Good point. I’ll watch for top of shoe rubbing. I suppose at least if it is that and it wears through there’s a great excuse for new shoes 👍

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to tony_a]

i have a dead manky toe nail, made worse by a recent 10k Race. I think it’s a gonner 🙄 I am going to start using a cushioned plaster to see if that helps. i have lost three of my toe nails, two several times 🤨

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Clearly not good that you’ve suffered such toenail carnage but reassuring that it’s happening to others too 😀

[Hidden]

I have one caused by my trail shoes some weeks ago on a 10k run. It was the downhill bits that caused it. Just one toe on my right foot. My toes were numb that side after the run. In my case the shoes, bought online,are a half size too small. If yours are roomy enough, I would check that you aren’t lacing them too tight.

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Glad I’m not alone. I’m wondering if the heat has made my feet expand more than usual. Got some elastic lock laces (fantastic) so don’t think laces too tight but I wonder if I’m not locking my heel back properly anymore and if that is causing issues.

[Hidden in reply to tony_a]

Mine didn't manifest till longer runs, and feet swell more on those. It's a right pain! the nail hasn't become detached though and the black is gradually growing out.

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

That’s some good news then. My nail not detached either so looking hopeful of keeping it.

[sallenson Graduate10]

As I read this the thought that went through my mind was "Something else to look forward to". Hope it gets better. Or doesn't fall off in your trainer when you're out and about... People swear by duct tape...

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

Thanks. There’s always something new and unpleasant to look forward to with running isn’t there. Luckily my feet have always been pretty grim (ingrowing toenails etc.) so this doesn’t make much difference 😀

[sallenson Graduate10 in reply to tony_a]

I could also win a "World's Most Appalling Feet" contest. We're just fantastic in other ways

[misswobble Graduate10]

Mine’s been lifting for ages but it’s not come off yet That’s the stage you have to be careful it doesn’t snag. Ew 🤨

They grow back thicker and more ridged

Ah the joys ......😁

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Yes snagging nails are the worst.

I had two nails removed when I was younger to treat ingrowing toenails and they did indeed grow back much thicker. Sadly mine also seem to be much more prone to splitting which isn’t helpful.

[SandieF]

Oh great. Weirdly, my feet are about the only part of my body I am happy with. Swear I could have been a foot model 😂. But now I have this to look forward to...well there goes my best bits 😂🤣

Yep, cheers 👍 thanks 👏😂

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to SandieF]

You’re welcome 😂😂😂

If blue / black is “in” this year it’ll be fine 😂

[SandieF in reply to tony_a]

Haha that’s true 👍😂

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to SandieF]

😁