Question about toenail damage

MattAaronson

In all my tri training I never experienced the toenail carnage that many runners get. Well 18 weeks of running ~60 miles/week changed all that and I now have three toenails in various non-natural states. Actually two toenails because one isn't even there anymore.

What am I to expect from here forward? Do they grow back and/or sort themselves out naturally? Should I go see a podiatrist? They don't hurt and don't impact my activity, so should I even care? I don't wear open toed shoes or sandals so I'm fairly unconcerned about the aesthetics.

Thanks, Matt

Bruce Thompson

Welcome to marathoning.  Happens to me every time I run one, even if an IM marathon.  Don't worry, the nails grow back (usually just about in time for the next mary).   I suggest that you make sure you keep the toes extra clean for a while.  If you get worried or they start to hurt, l suggest you go see the podiatrist.  Also, put on extra Body Glide on the exposed parts of your toes on future runs.

Steve West

Not a problem.... happens a lot and for the most part a non-issue. When they start to peal or lift, trim any loose or unattached parts. Eventually the whole blackened area will lift and let go. As long as you keep them trimmed close and tight, they wont catch and tear on socks or sheets. Likely take a few weeks to regrow.

Show em off! Anyone who knows marathoning will recognize them for what they are - the badge of a long distance runner!

jaleslie

I too have lost 3 toenails in the past couple of months, in my HIM build.  I've been just trimming to prevent "hangnails" etc., and waiting for them to grow back.  I'm proud of mine!

 

cgres123

I find that when they grow back they seem to grow back thicker which raises the nail bed and increases the probability your same toes will very easily return to that blacken state; I have to file mine down from the top to thin out the toe nail.

MattAaronson

Posted By David McLaughlin on 17 Oct 2013 07:59 AM


I find that when they grow back they seem to grow back thicker

Hmmm, yes, this seems to be happening to one of them.

Thanks everyone for the quick advice. I'm not sure this is as much of a bade of honor as you be tempted to think after reading the posts, however!!

Scott Alexander

I was just about to post this exact question, as I have three that are still black - and still attached - from IMMT (two months ago). Just this weekend, one fell off after my foot got soaked and couldn't get it dry too quickly (welcome to torrential downpours and getting caught out in them, in Texas!)

I'm wondering if soaking the other ones would allow the nails to come off easier, maybe with a little coercion.

Also, when I've had this problem in the past, mine seem to grown back thicker and also more crooked. My left big toenail now has a somewhat-upward angle to the upper right, so I have to keep it really tightly trimmed, or it'll catch on everything!

Joe Matchette

I made the mistake of musing "I wonder if I could have my toenails surgically removed....." out loud in front of my lovely wife.

Based on her reaction, I will NEVER say that again.

William Jenks

Nothing to do except be prepared for it to happen more. they grow back slowly. I'm used to having somewhere between 6 and 9 at a time. They also seem to fall off more easily once you get them started, but I can't really say that for sure.

The pattern for me is less "black" and more a sometimes-bloody-sometimes-not blister just underneath the nail bed...which hurts a lot more than after you pierce it It takes about a week for the thing to fall off most of the time. Most of the time I "help it" a little.

I too would gladly submit my feet to complete toenail removal if it were cheap and reliable. It's neither. Supposedly, it's like other "laser hair removal"...you sometimes have to get them zapped a few times.