Toenail pain is a common complaint, especially amongst runners, athletes, and those spending many hours on their feet. While it might seem like a minor issue, it can sometimes point to something more serious. A common finding is “runner’s toenails,” which can be a sign of pride for many, but a source of pain for others. Several conditions can be caught under this umbrella term, such as yellow toenails, black toenails, ingrown nails, infection, and overall pain.
Toenail changes are common for runners and hence where the term came from. Due to the friction of running and the constant rubbing of the toenail against the shoe, the toenails can become damaged over long periods of time. Let’s break down what causes toenail pain, how it connects to things like yellow or black toenails, and what you can do to treat and prevent them.
Blood Blisters (Black toenails)
Often, we will see the friction and pressure that footwear rubbing on toes causes, resulting in bleeding underneath the toenail. This bleeding has nowhere to escape to and becomes trapped as a blister of blood under the nail. This is otherwise known as a subungual hematoma. It is one of the most common presentations that we see in a runner’s toenail.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenail pain is perhaps the most common cause for pain, and it is no stranger to runner’s toenails. With enough pressure from shoes or abutting toes, the nail can begin piercing the skin and create a source of infection. Combined with the warm and moist environment of a running shoe after 10 km, this is not ideal!
Yellow Toenails (Loose)
Toenails can even lift and loosen entirely from the skin, and cause an uncomfortable sensation with it barely hanging on. While it may not be fully loose, it may appear yellow or white – an indication it could fall off very soon. It is important to have this assessed as the newly created space below the nail and above the underlying skin encourages fungal/bacterial growth, and a deep yellow colour can be a sign of fungal infection.
Pressure and Pain
Pain and pressure related to a toenail is no walk in the park and can be cumbersome to daily activities, even outside of running. When the pain starts interfering with daily activities, we need to start addressing it.
How can we treat Runner’s Toenails?
- Wearing the appropriate footwear – the friction, pain or pressure can be caused by a poor shoe fit or the wrong shoe size, so by wearing properly fitting running shoes that are supportive, we can reduce this trauma.
- Wearing supportive Custom Foot Orthoses – Similarly to supportive footwear, orthotics can help to address the biomechanical functions of the feet and lower extremity often preventing all sorts of pain, even improving overall function.
- Drain blisters and infections – Blisters and infections must be managed by a medical professional to prevent recurrent infection and further complications.
- Ease up on training – It may not be what many runners want to hear, but after all other measures fail, it may be time to reduce the level of activity. Rest is some of the best medicine, and we can all use a break sometimes.
Toenail pain might seem like a small issue, but it can be your body’s way of telling you something needs attention—whether it’s your shoes, your training routine, or your overall foot health.
And while yellow toenails might just be from too much nail polish or a minor fungal infection, it’s worth looking into if the discoloration sticks around or is paired with pain or a loose toenail. We need to be especially cautious of more sinister black lesions on the feet, and ensure they are not at the risk of being a cancer, such as melanoma.
If you think you have a Runner’s toenail or you’re not sure, give your local BioPed a call today to find out how we can help! To find a BioPed Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse, visit www.bioped.com/locations.
