Black toenails are common among runners, hikers, and skiers due to trauma from the toe hitting the top of the shoe. Prevention involves wearing well-fitting shoes, reducing distance, proper foot care, and using safety precautions when lifting heavy objects.
Black toenails, caused by trauma to the toe, are a common occurrence, especially among runners. Preventing them is usually a problem that involves finding the right kind of shoes. Other foot care methods can also help prevent this problem. While usually not painful, toenails do tend to fall off after a while, so preventing them from happening protects the toe and may also be important for those who like to paint their toenails or who often prefer to wear open toe shoes.
Runners, hikers, and skiers are most susceptible to black toenails, but it can happen to anyone. These injuries almost always occur as a result of the toe hitting the top of the shoe. When the toe bumps into the shoe too frequently, the skin under the nail bruises, separates from the nail, and sometimes creates a blood blister. Blood under the nail makes it appear black or gray.
Most of the time, the nail won’t cause the runner or skier any pain. But sometimes they are painful. If a blood blister develops, it can swell and cause pain. These blisters can also become infected, which can cause even more pain and need to be treated by a doctor.
Prevention of this condition is usually the only way to avoid losing your toenail. The first step in prevention is wearing shoes that fit well, so your toes don’t bump into your shoes. Second, the individual may wish to reduce the distance they run, walk or ski. Running or skiing uphill instead of downhill can also reduce the amount of pressure the toe puts on the top of the shoe. Making sure your shoes are tied properly can also help prevent problems from occurring.
Proper foot care can also help prevent black toenails. Toes should always be trimmed straight and should be groomed often. Excessive moisture in shoes can cause toes to slip, so proper socks that retain moisture well can be beneficial to those who are exercising.
While most of these injuries occur among runners and skiers, they can also occur when something heavy is dropped on a person’s foot. To prevent accidents, people should make sure they never lift anything that is too heavy on their own. It may be essential to use all safety precautions when lifting to avoid black toenails.
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