bruised toenails! help!

grrrace

Okay- so I'm sort of freaking out over here...

a few months ago I spent a loooong night dancing in boots that were not very forgiving on my toes- afterwards my 2 big toes had dark red splotches under them- since then they seemed to get a little thicker, I recently started running on the treadmill  and now today I noticed that my nails are separating from the nail bed and look like they are gonna fall off soon!

I know this isn't really an appropriate post for GIS, but I have heard of runners getting bruised toenails... 

THIS IS DISGUSTING!

I don't know if its just bruising, or possibly fungus- have any of you guys experienced anything like this?

Sorry to subject you all to my disturbing toes- just looking for advice. 

thanks!

aldfajdaflsaf grossssssss

raynes

I hear/read about this allll the time on H&F.  The runners there wear their bruised toenails like badges on honour. 

From what I remember, the nail will fall off on it's own, when it's ready, or you could help it along (ie, pull it off).  I've heard that many rely on dark nail polish to hide the bruises, and will even paint the skin where the nail should be while it grows back.

I don't think there have been any posts on it lately, so you''d probably be safe asking for advice.

Health & Fitness on TN:
http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/4110117/ShowForum.aspx

cmeyer3946

it's not an inappropriate question.  sounds like you have runner's nail.  you can probably get the doctor to help you with it.   Or if you can't get to a doctor, you can also go to myfootshop.com and order a home remedy kit.  They have an A+ rating on BBB.   GL!

jabeckner

I know when I got fitted for my running shoes, the guy had me go up a full size, so there is about an .5-1 inch of extra room in the toe area. I was kind of confused about why I needed them so big, but then upon doing more research, I found out it is because of 2 reasons. 1. Your feet swell when you work out so this will keep them from going numb. 2. It will lesson the chance of getting bruised toenails.

Although it won't help the current situation, you may consider getting shoes in a larger size to avoid this happening in the future. Just a thought.

afloggie

I went to a podiatrist when this happened after running a half marathon. He said DO NOT put nail polish on the skin if the nail falls off. I would try to get to a podiatrist. He gave me some liquid fungal to paint on twice a day and after 3 months it was all gone. Talk to a healthcare professional because you dont want to get a bad infection, IMO

DLLadybug

I actually read an article this morning about pedicures for runners, I'm trying to find the link but am having no luck!

They suggested to making sure you keep your nails trimmed because if they are too long that can cause bruising as well. I know when it's time to cut mine, they start to hurt! And it doesn't take that long for that to happen!

grrrace

thanks you guys-- I should definitely get bigger shoes, the ones I have now were given to me by my mom and they are 8.5, I usually wear a 9. They used to feel tight, but after I broke them in they seemed to fit fine-- apparently I was wrong!

I'm just worried that the bruising from the night of dancing in those damn boots (which was also the night I got engaged, btw) has somehow caused a fungus because i noticed the nail is thicker than it used to be. 

I know it takes a looong time for toenails to grow, and I just don't want to have jacked up toenails all summer  (and possibly for my wedding next august- I know it's far off. i'm just nervous.) 

msange727

i don't know whole load about this, but i don't think you have a fungus just because the nail's thicker - it might've gotten thicker in response to the boot-dancing and the too-tight shoes, as a defense. if the nail is yellowed or darkened (not where the bruises are) then you may have a fungus. but i second the other posters - a doc will definitely help you out. in the meantime, feel better and step away from the boots!

vanessajcrogers

I played soccer at university and lost my big toenails on several occasions due to being trodden on, it was alarming at first but the nail grew back it took time. I would not try to conceal the lack of nail by painting with nail polish as I suspect the chemicals will inhibit the nail growth (phenol is used at the end of ingrown toenail ops to stop the nailbed!).  The skin underneath is sensitive and so I would occasionally cover with a bandaid.  Then just make sure the rest of your toes look pretty.

New running shoes will help and you will be on course to have beautiful feet for the big day.

It does not sound like you have a nail infection the thickening can be trauma related but a quick inspection by a doc will let you know.

Nails do grow back! Now I cannot even tell I ever lost them.

bluebunneh

I wore a pair of closed toe heels ( not very high, but I never wear heels so that may have caused more damage ) for an entire weekend for around 12+ a day and not only did my two big toes do excatly what you are describing, I also had a blister under one! Talk about GROSS!

The blister popped...ewww... and you could see blood under my nails and there was brusing all around my toes. Now, 3 months later, my toe nails are starting to get loose and new ones are growing from underneath - just like yours are.

My wedding is only 3 months away and I'm really nervous my toes are gonna look awful... I'm thinking of getting fake ones ontop for the wedding, has anyone else ever done this?