How Long It Takes Bruised Toenails To Heal

Running is a great form of exercise, but it can also be hard on the feet and toes. One common issue that runners face is bruised toenails. A bruised toenail occurs when the blood vessels under the toenail are damaged, causing the toenail to turn black or blue. This can be painful and make running uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there are several things that runners can do to prevent bruised toenails.

Wear Proper-Fitting Shoes
Wearing shoes that fit well is one of the most important steps in preventing bruised toenails. Shoes that are too small can cause the toes to be cramped and jammed together, which can lead to bruising. On the other hand, shoes that are too big can cause the toes to slide around, which can also lead to bruising.

It’s important to make sure that your running shoes are the right size, and that they fit well. Try them on at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. Make sure there’s enough room to wiggle your toes, and that the shoes are snug but not too tight.

Trim Your Toenails
Trimming your toenails can also help prevent bruised toenails. When toenails are too long, they can hit the front of the shoe and cause bruising. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and should not extend past the tip of the toe.

Wear Toe Socks
Toe socks are a great way to help prevent bruised toenails. These socks separate the toes, which can help to reduce friction and prevent the toes from jamming together. They also help to keep the toes dry, which can reduce the risk of infection.

Take Short Break
If you are experiencing bruised toenails, it’s important to take a break from running until the toenails heal. Running can cause additional damage to the toenails, which can prolong the healing process. Instead of running, you can try other forms of exercise such as swimming, cycling, or walking.

Massage Your Feet
Finally, massaging your feet can help to prevent bruised toenails. Massaging the feet can help to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, which can help to speed up the healing process. You can use a massage oil or lotion to make the massage more comfortable.

Keep Your Feet Dry
Keeping your feet dry is also important to prevent bruised toenails. When your feet are wet, they are more susceptible to fungus and bacteria, which can cause infection. Make sure to change your socks frequently and let your feet air out after running.

In conclusion, bruised toenails can be a common problem for runners, but they can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. By wearing proper-fitting shoes, trimming your toenails, wearing toe socks, taking short breaks, massaging your feet, and keeping your feet dry, you can help to reduce the risk of bruised toenails and keep running comfortably. Remember to consult with a doctor if you have any concerns or issues related to your foot health.

How Long It Takes Bruised Toenails To Heal

Bruised toenails, also known as subungual hematomas, occur when blood pools under the toenail due to trauma or injury. The healing process for a bruised toenail can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s overall health.

In mild cases, a bruised toenail may heal within a few days to a week. The discoloration of the nail may take longer to disappear, but the pain and discomfort should subside quickly. In these cases, it is important to keep the affected toe elevated and to avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes that may aggravate the injury.

Moderate to severe cases may take longer to heal. The blood under the nail may cause significant pain and discomfort, and the discoloration may take several weeks to months to disappear completely. In these cases, it is important to keep the affected toe elevated and to avoid activities that may cause further trauma or injury to the toe.

In some cases, the injury may be severe enough that the nail will fall off, which can take up to 4-6 months for a new nail to grow. If the injury is severe enough to cause a fracture in the toe, it will take longer for the toe to heal.

In addition to avoiding further trauma or injury, it is also important to keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent infection. If the pain and discomfort are severe, over-the-counter pain medications may be used to help manage the symptoms.

In summary, the healing time for a bruised toenail can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may heal within a few days to a week, while moderate to severe cases may take several weeks to months to heal. In severe cases, the nail may fall off and it can take up to 4-6 months for a new nail to grow. It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry and avoid activities that may cause further trauma or injury to the toe.