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.

The post As a runner you may have ‘runner’s toenails’ – What is it, and how can you treat it. appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

To properly deal with toenail problems, it’s important to know what has caused them to become dry, brittle, discoloured, crumbly, smelly or painful in the first place.  Let’s explore the different causes and what can be done to help!

What Can Cause Dry, Brittle or Discoloured Toenails?

Nutrient deficiencies can affect the texture and appearance of toenails. 

• Low calcium and vitamin C may result in thin, weak, and brittle nails.
• A vitamin B12 or iron deficiency may cause the nails to become white, thin, and brittle.

Certain medical conditions influence the health of our toenails. 

• Diabetes may make a person more susceptible to fungal infections and can also affect the blood flow to the feet and toes, reducing necessary nutrients and oxygen.
• Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation and toe deformities which often results in excess pressure on toe and nails.
• Psoriasis can cause pitting in the nail plate and may result in a rough surface texture.
• HHypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid can make nails brittle.
• Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause thinning, ridges and splitting of the nail plate.
• Chemotherapy or radiation may also change the shape and texture of nails.

What Causes Ingrown and Fungal Toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when one or both sides of the nail digs into the surrounding skin.  It may or may not pierce through the skin but can result in pain and discomfort and may cause redness and swelling. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can result in significant pain and infection and could force you to change the way you walk or move to protect the affected toe. Fungal toenails are common and can be uncomfortable, thickened, misshaped, discoloured, crumbly and smelly.  Contagious in nature, they can spread from one person to another or from one toenail to another.

• Ill-Fitting Footwear that is too tight or small can cause microtrauma to the toes and nails, increasing the risk for ingrown and fungal toenails.
• Cutting toenails too short or ripping them off may leave a spike of nail in the corner.
• Toenail injury from trauma can inadvertently cause the nail to dig into the surrounding skin or it can damage the nail matrix increasing the risk for a fungal infection.
• Toe deformities, such as hammer toes and bunions change the position of toes, leading to increased pressure and injury to the nail.
• Genetics may influence the shape or curvature of the nail. This curvature can be so severe that the sides of the nail come together underneath and pinch the tissue of the nail bed, also known as a pincer nail.

How Can Toenail Problems be Addressed and Treated?

As mentioned above, our toenails are often the gateway to our overall health and well-being.  It’s crucial to be aware of any systemic issues that need medical attention.  If your toenail problems are related to microtrauma, ill-fitting footwear, toe deformities or an exaggerated curvature of the plate itself, BioPed Footcare can help!

Treatments for Toenail Problems:

• Topicals
  • Over-the-counter antifungals, such as Formula 3®, an in-solution of Tolnaftate and Jojoba oil.
  • Nail tinctures, such as Footlogix Nail Tincture Spray to address changes in texture and health or minor fungal toenail infections.
  • Prescription antifungals to fight nail fungus, such as Jublia®.
• Photodisinfection Therapy (PDT)
  • ToeFX® uses the combination of an anti-microbial serum and light is an effective treatment to eradicate toenail fungus.
• Oral medications
  • Prescription medication taken by mouth to eradicate fungus from the body, including toenails.
  • Addressing any systemic concerns, such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid condition.

Come See Us!

If you are suffering with dry, brittle, or discoloured toenails, or an ingrown toenail or fungal infection, book an appointment with a BioPed lower limb clinician to figure out why and what solution could be best for you.  We’d love to hear from you!

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