Black Toenails

You might be wondering why runners get black toenails.  Well it is very simple.  As you run, the nails hit the tops of your shoes and become traumatized.  The black is dry blood under the nail.  Not all runners get black toenails.  So which runners are prone to black toenails?
1)    Wearing shoes that are too tight or too small
2)    Your toenails are too long
3)    Thick toenails, like ones that have a fungus (fungal toenails).
4)    Wet shoes that cause the foot to slide inside the shoe while running.

Blood under the toenail is called a subungual hematoma.  When the nail gets traumatized, blood capillaries are broken and clotted together at the spot.  The more fluid that is accumulated, the more pain it causes.  The toenail will lift up off the nail bed if too much fluid accumulates.
Prevention of the black toenail can help athletes run pain free and always keep them running with healthy feet.  First, giving enough room, like half of an inch between the longest toe and the shoe while standing will reduce the chances of getting black toenails.

During the summer seasons you want more room because the humid warm weather makes the feet swell more.  Also, trim your nails shorter than usual, but not too short where it begins to hurt.  Also, make sure the shoe is not too big because it will make the foot slip forward and slide.  This will also lead to more pressure on your nails.

Not all toenails need to be treated.  If it is not painful, let them grow out.  If it is painful, red or swollen, don’t wait to get it treated.  The sooner it is treated, the faster you can get back to your activities.  Remember, do not drain the nail yourself, since this can cause an infection and will lead to even a bigger problem then you already have.

Running in the rain, or in a long race where you are getting hosed down will definitely wet your shoes.  But, that doesn’t mean you should not run in those conditions.  Good heart, bad feet is better than bad heart, good feet.  So, take care of yourself and train properly and wear good shoes and keep on running.