Black Toenails

Whether you just finished running a marathon, or came back from a walk with the dog, you may have noticed a little surprise when you took your shoes and socks off. That toenail looks blue and black. And it’s not from any cold weather. Who put that there?

Black toenails usually form from the toe hitting the end or top of the shoe. This can happen in avid runners, occasional walkers, and soccer players just to name a few. If shoe gear is too small or too roomy, the end of the toe repeatedly slides forward and hits the end or top of the shoe. This again stresses the importance of not only the right type of footwear, but the right size too. For athletic shoes, many specialty running stores can help you in this process as well as recommended a lacing technique to help your foot from sliding forward.

So a black toenail is pretty much bruise under the nail. Blood from small capillaries leaks out and develops a bruise or blister. Sometimes this can be enough blood to lift the toenail up or cause pressure under the nail. This is usually the part where you pay more attention because this is what can cause pain. Your podiatrist may want to evaluate it to make sure the blister doesn’t become infected with bacteria or fungus. The doctor will possibly proceed to pierce the nail to drain the fluid. In some cases the nail may need removed to hopefully grow back as a normal nail again. This lessens the chance for an infection and it relieves the pressure and therefore the pain. It may take about 5-6 months to grow back as toenails grow longer around 1 mm per month. For this and any other concern, remember to come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison at Foot Associates of Central Texas.