Is it common for runners to lose toe nails?

Question

and how do you know if your about to lose one?
I have been running around 10 miles every other day and one of my toe nails really hurts now.

Answer 1

Long distance runners can lose toe nails. While it is not necessarily common, it does happen a lot.

Being a runner myself, I have lose toe nail about every 3-4 marathons. Usually when I train (and I train with 7-11 miles run), I do not have problem. It is those 26 milers that causes my nail to fall off. Nail usually do not fall off right away. It may hurt or turn dark and get loose, then over a period of weeks or months, it will fall off as the new nail grows out.

Losing toe nails is usually related to the anatomy of your foot and shoewear. People usually use shoes that are improperly fit or too tight. As a result, the pressure from the distance running causes a decreased circulation to the nail, and it becomes loose and eventually falls off over time. The trick is to wear slightly larger shoes that are better padded.

As for me, my second toe is longer than my large toe, so the pressure of running cause me to lose that second toe nail at least 3-4 times already.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is it common for runners to lose toe nails?
and how do you know if your about to lose one?
I have been running around 10 miles every other day and one of my toe nails really hurts now.

Answer 3

Yes, it is common, no matter what your mileage nor level of training. Best cure is to search for running shoes that have a high toe box and plenty of room in the forefoot. I've even seen runners cut the tops off the front of the shoe to keep this shoe from rubbing the toenail.

The result is the same as closing a car door on your fingernail. YOu might save the nail by carefully gouging a pinhole in the top of the nail to release the pressure of the fluid built up.

Answer 4

I've heard of it happening with badly fitting trainers, that following a long run or marathon the nail may begin to go black and fall off after a while. I think what makes toe nails fall off is when they become seperated from the skin underneath, or the skin underneath becomes damaged or inflamed. In the case of running, this would be something like running with the toe squeezed tightly, where it is subject to repeated impact.

Answer 5

Losing Toenails From Running

Answer 6

Your toe nails should not hurt. You probably have an ill fitting shoe. Trim the nails close and wear good socks. If the shoes are good running shoes and fit properly they should not hurt your nails.

Answer 7

i've lost one of my big toenails before due to an ingrown toenail,the doctors injected my toe seven times,then remove the entire nail and i was basically left with no nail for at least 10 months

Answer 8

kind of. my brother gets them when he gets a blister under a toe nail. it swells and then is so loose that it comes off. it may be the shoes. try a different pair and see if it changes.

Answer 9

Hi. I work at a Podiatrist's office. We often refer patients to the site below to find answers to their foot related questions and to find the best products for their condition.

http://www.myfootshop.com/article/runners-nail

Answer 10

yeah your nail might be too long or your shoes dont fit right. it usuallly hurts for awhile then turns black and slowly falls off. it'll grow back though =)