How to Avoid a Black Toenail and What to Do About It

A black toenail is one of the most common running injuries that runners suffer from. As a runner, it is important to familiarize yourself with the little or big injuries associated with running. This way, you will be able to prevent running injuries by knowing the steps you need to take to avoid them.

A black toenail or a runner's toe is just a little injury. But who would want to get black toes? There are a lot of reasons that your toenail would turn black while running.

Bruised Toenails

The most obvious reason is that it is bruised or has undergone a recent trauma. This could happen when you wear a new pair of running shoes, especially if you are not wearing any socks. When your toenail gets bruised, there is a buildup of blood right underneath the nail bed.

Black Toenail and Fungi Infection

Another reason that you get a black toenail is when you have toenail fungus. Fungal infection can develop when you wear shoes that are still laden with your sweat. Remember, fungi survive in moist environments. So make sure that your shoes are completely dried out before you wear them.

You can also be prone to fungal infection when you cut your toenails too short. You may create minor cuts when you have very short nails. The small cuts may give an access way to fungi, thus infecting you.

Certain public areas such as swimming pools, saunas, gyms, and showers are where fungi usually proliferate. So when in these areas, make sure that you wear sandals.

What to Do About a Black Toenail?

When you get a black toenail due to a fungal infection, then you must consult your doctor and ask for some antifungal medication. However, when your black toenail is caused by a trauma to your toes or a bruise, you need to take some steps to treat it right away.

When you have a runners toe, you need to get rid of the blood that has gathered underneath the nail bed. What you can do is to get a needle. Heat it to a certain level to make is sterile. Using the hot needle, puncture your nail right at the middle and push the blood away from it. Also make sure that you get some painkillers and antibiotics to prevent any infection. You may want to do this right away, or else the blood may dry up. Once it dries up, you will have to wait for the nail to fall off.

A black toenail may just be a minor injury, but it can inconvenience you in some way. So the next time you run, be extra careful about your shoes. Make sure they are completely dry and that they are the right size.