Black nail: why do 70% of runners suffer from it and how to avoid it this winter?

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2024-10-22 15:00:00

A true badge of honor for some, a source of discomfort for others, theblack nail is a recurring problem among regular runners.

If you come home from a long outing or a competition and are horrified to discover a blackened nail, don’t panic!

Although sometimes painful, a subungual hematoma remains benign.

Despite everything, there are tips to treat it more quickly and, above all, to prevent it from happening again. Sport Equipements gives you some secrets.

The Explanation Behind Black Nails

The black nail, from its scientific name subungual hematomagenerally occurs following the repeated microshocks and friction that your toes experience while running.

Over long distances, this can end up causing slight bleeding under the nail causing the hematoma.

Without seriousness, the black nail can prove annoying, even painful due to increased pressure under the nail.

Repeatedly black nails: five tips to prevent the problem

#1 Choose shoes that fit your feet

A recurring black toenail problem is often due to a poor choice of shoe.

First reason: the design of running shoes is based on the morphology of the so-called feet. Egyptians », the most widespread form in the population.

Therefore, if you have Greek, Roman or square feet, your toenails are more likely to rub against the toe of the shoe and will therefore tend to blacken more easily.

Egyptian foot runners can also encounter the same problem in the event of shoes too small or poorly adjusted.

La solution ?

Choose a pair of running shoes adapted to your body type and always take a half size larger of your usual size.

During a run, the foot swells slightly. By taking a little space, you will prevent your nails from hitting the front of the shoe.

#2 Wear technical socks

THE socks that you wear are also important.

Thick or poorly fitted models can actually increase the friction of your toes against your shoes.

Favor thin and technical socksdesigned specifically for running.

These products ensure better moisture evacuation, thus limiting friction and slipping of the feet which cause hematomas.

#3 Adopt suitable lacing

This may seem anecdotal, but the way you lace your shoes greatly influences the support of your foot and can therefore help prevent black nails.

A technique often recommended is that of heel lacingwhich prevents the foot from sliding forward.

To learn how tie your shoes Depending on your foot shape, we recommend the excellent video above.

#4 Protect your nails before a run

You know the adage: prevention is better than cure.

If you are prone to black nails, a tip is to apply a plaster on your fragile toes before a long run or competition.

Some runners prefer to wear socks a little thicker at the toes to cushion friction.

Test and see what works best for you.

#5 Trim your toenails regularly

This may seem obvious, but having the short nails helps prevent friction and bruising.

A small cut is therefore necessary regularly, not forgetting the file step.

Otherwise, the nail tips may injure neighboring toes.

Avoid performing these operations just before a workout session. running : a freshly cut nail is often more fragile.

Better to do it on a day off.

Despite all these precautions, you are not completely safe from one day seeing a black nail.

If it is not painful, there is no reason to worry.

Leave it alone, it will eventually fall off naturally and grow back in a few months.

In revenge, if the pain is present, solutions exist to relieve you more quickly.

Consult a healthcare professional

If you experience pain, contact a doctor or pedicure-podiatrist.

Treatment generally consists of pierce the nail in order to evacuate the blood trapped under the nail and thus relieve the pressure almost immediately.

Don’t wait to consult: once coagulated, the blood becomes impossible to drain.

Drill the nail yourself

For the bravest, it is possible to carry out this operation at home. A simple trombone previously unrolled, disinfected and heated over a flame is enough.

Once the tip is hot (it should be red), apply it to the center of the nail without waiting to pierce the poche de sang.

The action should not cause pain. Once the hematoma has drained, soak your foot in soapy water to disinfect the area.

Pull out the nail (as a last resort)

If the nail is too damaged or an infection develops, you may need to considerto tear out. In this case, no choice, head to the office of a health professional who will put the toe to sleep before carrying out the procedure.

To conclude

THE black nails are a recurring problem among regular runners, but this phenomenon can often be avoided by taking a few precautions.

Choosing your shoes carefully, adapting your lacing, and taking care of your feet are the best weapons to say goodbye to this inconvenience.

If, despite everything, you find yourself with a black nail, don’t panic: there are solutions to get rid of it painlessly (or almost)!

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sport-cat-date-updated">Updated by Quentin on:21/10/2024

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