Losing your Toenails?

Having black and even losing your toenails is a pretty common occurrence for runners.  I have experienced this once myself in College.  I lost my big toenail and it takes quite a while to grow back!

What causes this?

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. Marathoners or runners who do a lot of downhill running are the most likely candidates for black toenails. You're more likely to get black toenails if you run in warmer weather because your feet swell more when it's hot.

The best way to treat these black toenails is to let it run it's course.  If the pain is manageable.  In my case it definitely was not manageable.  My big toe swelled up and was extremely red.  If that happens you should see a doctor and they will most likely have to drain it.  They drain it by drilling holes with a scalpel in the top of your nail.  This will drain the blood blister and relieve all the pressure.  This is the quickest way back to running if it is that painful but you will most likely lose the toenail.

To try and prevent this from happening you should always buy your running shoes a 1/2 size bigger.  This will give you plenty of room in the toe box.  Should always keep your nails trimmed but NEVER cut your toenails the night before a long race.  You could also go a little more extreme and permanently remove your toenails like these Ultra-Marathoners!  Great article from the New York Times.  I believe I will stick with the less extreme preventative measures though.