Runners Nail

Runners Nail

Repetitive impact or trauma to your toes when exercising can cause several problems to the nail bed itself. This can result in pain, reduced activity/training or embarrassment.

These common nail problems include:

• Black thickened nail (subungual haematoma) – this is a bleed under the nail bed caused by trauma from activities like running. This can become more painful if fluid builds up under the nail causing it to become lifted. 
• Ingrown toenails- caused by excess pressure on the sides of the nail which can lead to the nail piercing the sides of the nail bed. This can be extremely painful and can cause infection if not cut back appropriately by a podiatrist. 
• Fungal nail – many sportspeople suffer with fungal nail due to excess sweating inside the shoe and the environments they train at. Repetitive trauma to the nail bed also makes it easier for the fungus to penetrate the nail.

Prevention and management of these problems are vital in enabling the continuation of sport and activities. Here are a few tips to manage and treat these common nail conditions.

• Make sure your sports shoes fit correctly (we advise about half a thumbnail from longest toe to end of shoe) with a wide enough toe box to prevent trauma.
• File your nails to prevent any nail spikes from piercing the skin or catching the top of the trainer when exercising
• Alternate between shoes and wear clean socks to prevent any fungus growing. If you have athletes’ foot, make sure to treat it with creams containing Lamisil to prevent it from spreading to your nails.

If you are experiencing thick, unsightly or painful nails then contact us and get booked in with our specialist General Podiatrist Fay