Black Toenail
(runner's
toe, jogger's toe, tennis toe)
Also known as
runner's toe, joggers toe or tennis toe, black toenails
are a common injury seen in athletes such as
joggers (especially long distance or downhill
runners), skiers, tennis players etc., that is
characterised by blackened toenails, and the
possible loss of the affected nail. It is the
result of bruising or slight bleeding under the
nail caused by the repetitive trauma of the toe
jutting forward or the nail hitting the top of
the shoe. It is more common in the warmer months
due to feet swelling in the heat.
Other causes
of black toenails include injury (from dropping
something on it) or tight/poorly fitting
footwear.
Symptoms of black toenail:
Blackened
toenail, usually affecting the first or second
toes. This may or may not be painful.
Over time the
nail may fall off.
Treatment of black toenail:
Most cases of
black toenail require no treatment. If pain is
severe it may be relieved by your doctor by
piercing a hole in the nail.
As the
toenail grows, the damaged part may separate
from the nail bed & eventually fall out. Over
time, this will be replaced with new/undamaged
nail.
If you notice
any redness or infection, see your doctor.
Preventing black toenails:
Wear properly
fitting shoes. They should be 1 inch of space
between the end of the toe & the front of the
shoe.
Wear socks.
Keep toenails
trimmed.
Take a a
break from exercising, or do a different form of
exercise while the toe heals.
Other causes of black toenails:
Nail fungus
Melanoma
Also see:
Athlete's foot,
Ingrown toenail,
Onychomycosis
(nail fungus)
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a
doctor visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate medical advice for any problems.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice.
