How to Avoid Runner's Toe

If you are new to running or you are just starting back up from a long hiatus, you're at risk for developing runner's toe. Runner's toe is a condition caused by the toenail either pressing down into the skin underneath or by coming detached from the skin underneath. The result is that blood pools between the toenail and the skin.

Runner's toe basically looks like a blackish, bruised toenail. It generally occurs on the longest toe of the foot, which can be either the big toe or the second toe. The toenail might fall off after a few days or even weeks of developing runner's toe. It is a mostly painless process, but be careful of snagging the nail on your sock or while you walk barefoot.

Runner's toe is generally caused by shoes that don't fit properly. If the toenail is being pushed down on by the shoe it can cause runner's toe.
To alleviate runner's toe try the following:
• go to a running specialty store to get help selecting shoes that fit properly
• make sure you tie your shoes on snuggly to keep your foot from shifting while you run
• wear the socks you will wear while running when you are selecting your shoes
• keep your toenails trimmed so that you have adequate space between the end of the shoe and your toes

If you've already developed runner's toe and are experiencing throbbing or
excessive pain in the toe you may need to see a podiatrist; the toe may need to have the blood drained from under the toenail.