Running Advice for Preventing Black Toenails

Part of the allure of outdoor running is being able to appreciate firsthand the natural beauty this world has to offer. We can think of few places better to do so than Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Bordering Plano, TX to the west, this 200-acre park has both paved and natural trails that appeal to runners of all levels. Before you head to Arbor Hills, we have some running advice to help you enjoy your run without coming home to find out you have developed a black toenail.

If you are a running beginner, you may be unfamiliar with the condition, but a black toenail is often, but not always, a bruised nail. When a blood blister forms under your nail, it cannot breathe and will take longer to heal than a blister otherwise would.

While you are reconnecting with nature at the preserve, you don’t have to worry about suffering from a bruised toenail if you:

• Have properly trimmed toenails. Keep them straight across and even with the edge of your toe for optimal protection.
• Wear shoes that fit well. This bit of running advice will help with more than just warding off black toenails – poor-fitting shoes are the culprits behind many foot and ankle issues. Be sure that you have room on the sides and in front of your toes!
• Lace the fronts of your shoes tightly enough along the front. This is especially beneficial if you will be doing a lot of downhill running because it helps prevent your feet from sliding forward in your shoes and allowing your toes to rub against the fronts.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks. Cotton socks will only trap the moisture when you run, which can then lead to fungal infections. This is obviously not a bruise, but it still has the potential to turn your toenails black.

Dallas Podiatry Works is your source for everything feet—from accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to running advice so you can prevent injuries in the first place. If you need help determining the best course of action when you sustain a bruised nail, give us a call. You can reach our Dallas office at (972) 566-7474, our Plano office at (972) 943-3323, or use our online form to request an appointment today. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter for current news, expert advice, and helpful tips!