{"id":2858,"date":"2023-05-30T08:03:24","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T08:03:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.joggo.run\/?p=2858"},"modified":"2024-08-21T14:22:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T14:22:52","slug":"causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Toenail From Running \u2013 Causes and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Got a black toenail? Many runners experience black toenails at some point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While unsightly, black toenails are not usually a reason for concern. However, in some cases, they can be a sign of a more serious condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to find out what causes a black toenail and how to get rid of black toenails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >In This Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#black-toenail-and-toenail-color-changes\" title=\"Black Toenail and Toenail Color Changes\">Black Toenail and Toenail Color Changes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#what-causes-black-toenail-common-causes-and-conditions\" title=\"What Causes Black Toenail: Common Causes and Conditions\">What Causes Black Toenail: Common Causes and Conditions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#bruise-under-the-nail\" title=\"Bruise under the nail\">Bruise under the nail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#nail-fungus\" title=\"Nail fungus\">Nail fungus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#ingrown-toenail\" title=\"Ingrown toenail\">Ingrown toenail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#underlying-medical-condition\" title=\"Underlying medical condition\">Underlying medical condition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#melanoma\" title=\"Melanoma\">Melanoma<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#can-a-black-toenail-cause-complications\" title=\"Can a Black Toenail Cause Complications?\">Can a Black Toenail Cause Complications?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#how-to-treat-black-toenails\" title=\"How to Treat Black Toenails\">How to Treat Black Toenails<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#preventing-black-toenails\" title=\"Preventing Black Toenails\">Preventing Black Toenails<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#when-should-you-see-your-doctor\" title=\"When Should You See Your Doctor?\">When Should You See Your Doctor?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/causes-and-treatment-of-black-toenail-from-running\/#takeaways\" title=\"Takeaways\">Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"black-toenail-and-toenail-color-changes\"><\/span>Black Toenail and Toenail Color Changes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Toenails can turn black for a variety of reasons, including trauma and underlying medical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toenail color changes depending on what\u2019s causing them. For example, wearing the wrong running shoes can turn your toes black within a matter of hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By contrast, a toenail turning black due to nutritional deficiencies or underlying medical conditions may be more gradual. It may start as discoloration under the toe followed by a bluish toenail that then becomes darker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trauma resulting from the impact may not turn your toenails black right away. The toenail may first become red, then purple, then dark brown. Only after the blood under the nail clots will the nail become black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toenail discoloration can also be whitish, yellow, purple, or green. When concerned, it\u2019s important to see a doctor as toenail discoloration can be a sign of a serious medical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-causes-black-toenail-common-causes-and-conditions\"><\/span>What Causes Black Toenail: Common Causes and Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From common bruises to fungal infections and other conditions, here\u2019s what may cause black toenails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bruise-under-the-nail\"><\/span>Bruise under the nail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Medically known as a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/skin-problems-and-treatments\/ss\/slideshow-toenail-color-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> subungual hematoma<\/a>, a bruise under the nail can develop if you wear tight shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your toe gets cramped in the front, leading to damage to the blood vessels beneath the nail. This type of bruise may also appear if you stub your toe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Subungual hematoma occurs frequently among runners. Beginners develop it because they may not always wear the right shoes. Meanwhile, more experienced runners may have it simply because they run a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feet may swell when running because of the impact with the road. Blood flow to the feet also increases to deliver enough oxygen to the muscles. Increased blood flow can also contribute to mild swelling in the feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"nail-fungus\"><\/span>Nail fungus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nail fungus or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/nail-fungus\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20353294\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> onychomycosis<\/a> is another common cause of black under toenails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may begin as a white or yellow-brown spot under the nail and darken with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other symptoms can include brittle, crumbly, or misshapen toes, bad smell, discoloration, and toes becoming separated from the nail bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black toenail fungus may affect several toes. When it doesn\u2019t cause pain or have other symptoms, you may not need to see a doctor. If it\u2019s painful, though, you should see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ingrown-toenail\"><\/span>Ingrown toenail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A toenail may grow into the skin that surrounds the nail bed. When this happens, you have an ingrown toenail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An ingrown toenail can cause a bacterial infection. This may change the color of the nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your toe is painful and you suspect you may have an ingrown toenail, see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"underlying-medical-condition\"><\/span>Underlying medical condition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Black toenail? Diabetes and a variety of other medical conditions may have caused it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Diabetes. <\/strong>People with diabetes have poorer blood flow to the feet. Because of this, a minor toe injury can lead to wet gangrene and a higher risk of infection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kidney disease. <\/strong>Kidney disease can cause discoloration in the toenails including black toenails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heart disease. <\/strong>Circulatory problems can affect blood flow to your toes. This can change the color of the nails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anemia. <\/strong>One sign of<a href=\"https:\/\/casereports.bmj.com\/content\/2018\/bcr-2018-224258\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> <\/strong>B12 deficiency anemia<\/a> can be the darkening of the toenails due to hyperpigmentation. This is more common in darker-skinned people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"melanoma\"><\/span>Melanoma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In rare cases, a black spot under the toenail can be due to subungual melanoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of cancer usually<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jaad.org\/article\/S0190-9622(00)70113-7\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> affects people aged 50\u201370<\/a>. It\u2019s more prevalent among African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Known as a subungual melanoma, it may appear brown to black in color and have variegated borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any concerns about a black spot under your toenail, play it safe and see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can-a-black-toenail-cause-complications\"><\/span>Can a Black Toenail Cause Complications?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A black toenail caused by trauma usually heals on its own within a few months. And because it&#8217;s painless, you can keep running with it, provided you wear comfortable running shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Endurance runners may experience recurrent black toenails. In some cases, the nails may fall off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have persistent black toes due to intense running, you may want to take regular salt baths and keep your toes clean. This will help reduce the risk of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black toenail fungus can be more difficult to treat. It can spread to other toes or feet. It may also come back despite treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A black spot under the toenail caused by melanoma is the most worrisome. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body. But if caught and treated early, a good outcome is more likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-to-treat-black-toenails\"><\/span>How to Treat Black Toenails<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The right treatment for black toenails depends on what\u2019s causing the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it\u2019s due to a subungual hematoma, a black toenail will slowly grow out. This usually takes at least 6 months. and the process is usually painless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if the subungual hematoma is painful, doctors can make a small hole in the nail to provide relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Known as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482508\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> trephination<\/a>, this helps relieve the pressure that pooling blood creates under the nail. In some cases, several holes have to be made in the nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through these, blood will drain out from the hematoma. With it, most of the pain will go away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After undergoing trephination, it\u2019s important to avoid soaking the finger or exposing it to dirt. Doing so may lead to an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we\u2019ve seen, black toenail fungus may not require treatment. However, if it causes pain or you are concerned, you should see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An ingrown toenail may also require a visit to the doctor. However, in some cases, you can treat it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At-home treatment includes soaking your feet in soapy water for half an hour 3\u20134 times a day. Applying petroleum jelly and using comfortable footwear also helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An ingrown toenail can be painful. If you experience pain, you may consider taking pain relievers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a black toenail is caused by an underlying medical condition, it\u2019s important to address the latter. See a doctor who will adapt the treatment to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also see a doctor if you have a black line on your toenail or any other spot under it that you can\u2019t explain. It may be nothing to worry about, but seeing a dermatologist can confirm it\u2019s nothing serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"preventing-black-toenails\"><\/span>Preventing Black Toenails<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Preventing black toenails is better than having to treat them. If you run regularly, there are several things you can do to keep your toes happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Change your running shoes. <\/strong>Got a black toenail running long distances? Your footwear may be too tight at the front. Upgrade to better-fitting running shoes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep your toes clean and dry. <\/strong>This will help prevent black toenails from fungal infections. Make sure to gently wash your feet in soapy water after a run.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wear sunscreen around your toes. <\/strong>Enjoy running barefoot or in sandals? Don\u2019t forget to use sunscreen. It will help prevent a black spot under the toenail from melanoma.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wear shower shoes in public showers. <\/strong>Public showers including those at the pool or the gym can increase the risk of toenail infections. In general, it\u2019s not a good idea to walk barefoot through public showers, bathrooms, or locker rooms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Treat any underlying medical conditions.<\/strong> As we\u2019ve seen, several conditions can lead to a toenail turning black. Addressing the underlying cause will help prevent or at least better manage black toenails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"when-should-you-see-your-doctor\"><\/span>When Should You See Your Doctor?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If, after reading this, you are still asking yourself, &#8220;Why is my toenail black?&#8221; you should see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also see a doctor if you have a black spot on your toenail that wasn&#8217;t caused by trauma. Melanoma is rare, but it can happen. Early detection is important for proper treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, you should see a doctor if your black toenail is accompanied by severe pain or other symptoms. Or if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if black toenails are just the result of walking a lot, they can become a chronic problem. Seeing a doctor can provide relief and help you better manage the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"takeaways\"><\/span>Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you already have a black toenail or just want to prevent getting one, here are some things to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Getting a black toenail running is normal if you wear tight-fitting shoes or run a lot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A black toenail is often the result of trauma and not a cause for concern \u2013 it resolves on its own.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>But a black spot under the toenail can indicate a serious medical condition. Have it checked by a doctor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wear comfortable running shoes, wash your feet regularly, and wear shower shoes in public showers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, don\u2019t panic if you see a toenail turning black \u2013 most of the time it\u2019s not serious. But don\u2019t neglect it either. Understand what\u2019s causing it and seek appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Got a black toenail? Many runners experience black toenails at some point. While unsightly, black toenails are not usually a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2884,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"16","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,4],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2858"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2858"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2858\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3247,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2858\/revisions\/3247"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}