One of my toenails keeps bleeding during and after I run. What should I do?

Question

It used to be a black toenail, but that went away a few months ago. Now it just bleeds quite a bit whenever I run, but it doesn't hurt. I know that the shoes are not too tight, and when I put a band-aid on it the blood just goes right through. What should I do?

Answer 1

I'd stop running.

Answer 2

First, the toenail appears blackened and the nail will usually fall off when a new nail eventually grows in. Runners who are training for a marathon or do a lot of downhill running are the most likely candidates for black toenails because their toes are constantly rubbing up against the front of their shoes. You're also more likely to get black toenails if you run in warmer weather because your feet swell more when it's hot.

Cause:

Black toenails are caused by constant rubbing of your toe against the front of your shoe. A blood blister forms under the nail, and the blister can't breathe, so it takes a lot longer to heal.

Prevention:

To prevent black toenails, make sure that you're wearing the correct running shoe size (at least 1/2 size bigger than your street size; you should have plenty of room in the toebox). Trim your toenails regularly, and keep your foot dry for as long as possible during your long runs. Be sure to wear good wicking socks, not cotton ones. Lace your shoes tighter along the front if you're doing a lot of downhill running.

Treatment:

Once you have a black toenail, ITS BEST TO LEAVE IT ALONE as long as the pain is manageable. The pain is usually the worst on the first day and then lessens each day after. The damaged part of the nail is gradually pushed off, and a new nail will replace it. Don't force the old nail off -- it will fall off on its own. If at any point you notice redness and infection, see a doctor.

I've lost a few...

Answer 3

Consult a doctor or atheletic trainer.

Answer 4

You could have an ingrowing toenail. I had one and whenever I played football I could never feel it but after it would be really painful for a couple of hours and it would have bled through my sock. If it is make sure you go to the doctor because it can get worse if you keep running with it.

Answer 5

I would say see a doctor

Answer 6

tape it up lightly.

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