Why are my entire toenails falling off from running?

Question

I asked a couple other runners and they said their toenails fall off all the time. I heard lack of blood flow, but I want to be sure. I wear great shoes, good socks it can only be caused by running it seems.

Answer 1

Blackened toenails that fall off due to running are common. See Jeff Galloway's good description of why this happens at this link:
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/injury_archives/black_toe.html
Basically, pressure causes fluid to build up under toenail, forcing toenail away from toe. Kind of like a blood blister under the toenail.

When I was training for my first marathon or two it used to happen to me quite often until I went to a good running shoe store and got fitted for a different shoe. Hasn't happened to me since.

Answer 2

Toenails Falling Off Running

Answer 3

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.
First, the toenail appears blackened (caused by bruising under the nail), and then it eventually falls off.

Answer 4

I have only lost a toeneil once when I ran 35 miles in an ultramarathon. it is common among long distance runners because I guess the toes flex up against the toebox over and over as we run and they bruise tehn fall off.. You could try attempting to not engage your toes into your running, keeping them relaxed in the shoe, but that is nearly impossible, huh? Just make sure your toebox is wide or roomy enough.