5 Tips for Preventing Black Toenails from Running

Running does a lot of good for your body and mind, but it’s not uncommon for your toenails to take a hit. If you’ve noticed black discoloration in one or more toes, you’re likely dealing with subungual hematoma, also known as “runner’s toe.” While not typically dangerous, this condition can lead to bothersome issues you’re best off avoiding.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno diagnose and treat a range of foot traumas, including those that damage your toenails.

If you’re concerned about black toenails from running, read on to learn more about this common condition, including effective ways to prevent it.

Black toenail causes

Black toenails usually indicate blood beneath the nail; almost any toe injury can cause them. For runners, the symptoms usually unfold as a result of repeatedly slamming or rubbing their toes against their shoes as they run. They can also happen more suddenly if they kick something harshly or drop a heavy object on their foot.

Other black toenail causes include chronic ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and, less commonly, a form of skin cancer called subungual melanoma.

Related black toenail symptoms

Runner’s toe can fuel more than the blackness that shows through your nail. You might also notice:

• Redness, usually before blackness appears
• Pain or pressure under the nail, which may worsen when you wear shoes
• Toenail looseness
• Difficulty walking or running normally

These symptoms most often affect your big toe. Whichever nail is affected, you might lose it at some point.

How to prevent black toenails from running

Thankfully, you can take steps to guard against black toenails as a runner. Whether you’re prone to toe blackness or wish to prevent it in the first place, consider these tips:

1. Wear shoes that allow a half-inch of space at the top of the toe bed.
2. Keep your toenails trimmed — straight across versus curved.
3. Wear relatively thin socks.
4. If you wash your running shoes, let them air dry to avoid shrinkage in the dryer.
5. Go up a half-size in running shoes if you run long distances or your feet tend to swell.

If you can’t seem to minimize your symptoms on your own or you develop severe or worsening issues, our team can provide personalized guidance to keep you on more safely and healthily on your feet. In addition to treating any underlying condition we detect, we may recommend custom orthotics for the ideal shoe fit.

To learn more or get started toward the toe pain relief you need, call Mayfair Foot Care or schedule an appointment using our online booking feature today.