Often, toenails may become sore and can throb after a run because your toes are slammed into the tip of the toe box of your shoe with every step. This happens more often when you run downhill. There are a couple of elements that can contribute to post-run toenail pain. Your shoes are too big or worn too loose.

Regarding this, how do I stop my toenails from hurting when I run?

My general rule is to leave a thumb width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe toe box. Make sure there are no seams in your shoes or socks that can compress your nails. Nail polish can be an issue for people who like “painted” nails.

Likewise, how do you stop toenails from bruising when running? Generally, prevention involves you ensuring your running or walking shoes and socks fit correctly. Your feet can swell a full shoe size over the course of a long run or walk, and your toes must have some room to expand into. The toe box must be wide enough so as your toes are not squashed – but not too wide.

Also to know, how do you treat runner's toe?

Tips for dealing with runner's toenail

  1. Try wearing socks with plenty of cushion.
  2. Keep your toenails trimmed.
  3. Try silicone toe pads to relieve pressure.
  4. Take NSAIDs like ibuprofen if you have mild pain.
  5. Visit your doctor if you're experiencing more than mild pain.

How do I protect my toenails when running?

Botek shares 5 tips to help protect your toenails when running:

  1. Try silicone toe pads. They may help absorb some of the pressure from running.
  2. Find a running shoe that fits.
  3. Keep your toenails cut short.
  4. Tie your laces properly.
  5. Wear good socks.

Related Question Answers

How do I cut my toenails for running?

When it comes to cutting your toenails, never go too short. Cut across in a straight line using sharp, straight-edged toe nail clippers. Avoid cutting the nail into an oval shape, which leads to the edges curving downwards into the side of the toes.

Why do runners lose toenails?

“Runners can experience discolored nails, which is a collection of blood beneath the nail plate (subungual hematoma) as a result of microtrauma to the toe against the 'shoe box,'” Rothschild said. The bleeding can in turn cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed and—yup—fall off.

Does a bruised toenail go away?

A minor subungual hematoma usually heals over time without treatment. The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take 2–3 months for a fingernail, and up to 9 months for a toenail.

Do runners toenails fall off?

Losing toenails may be one of the less sexy side effects of running, but it is pretty common. In running, the microtrauma that leads to black toenails mostly has to do with shoe fit, says Paull.

Why is my toenail Purple after running?

The most common culprit for black nails is repetitive trauma, which can result from running or from wearing any type of ill-fitting footwear. If a black nail crops up shortly after a workout or a day spent in too-tight or too-loose shoes, this is likely the cause.

Why does my big toenail hurt after running?

Often, toenails may become sore and can throb after a run because your toes are slammed into the tip of the toe box of your shoe with every step. This happens more often when you run downhill. There are a couple of elements that can contribute to post-run toenail pain. Your shoes are too big or worn too loose.

Do black toenails go away?

If a black toenail is caused by an injury, the resulting spot from broken blood vessels will disappear once your nail grows out. Black toenail caused by trauma from an injury usually resolves on its own without treatment.

How long does it take for a bruised toe to heal?

Most bruised toes can heal on their own with proper care at home, especially if there is no fracture involved. It usually takes weeks for complete healing; however, pain and swelling can resolve within a few days [4,5]. If an object was dropped on the foot or toe, healing may take longer.

How long does a black toenail take to grow out?

Black Toenail: Common Causes

The bruise usually starts out red, then becomes purple, dark brown, and finally black when blood beneath the nail pools and clots. Expect your black toenail to grow out in about 6 to 9 months or longer.

How long does it take for a big toe nail to grow out?

It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.

How do you help a bruised toenail heal faster?

As soon as possible after stubbing your toe, follow the RICE method for injury treatment:
  1. Rest. Stop using your toe, lie down, and let your body recover.
  2. Ice. Use ice to numb the pain and reduce swelling.
  3. Compression.
  4. Elevation.

Should you pop blister under toenail?

Dall stresses that if you can wait a day or two without treatment, the blister will reabsorb and give you no more trouble. If you absolutely insist on treating a blister, take heed. “Be cautious when popping blisters due to the risk of infection,” Dall says.