Feet

[Claymore]

...or more precisely, toes. I seem to have developed a problem with my big toe and the one next to it, on both feet. If I do multiple games in a day, I invariably end up with blackened toenails. I assume it's from the toes bumping up against the front of the shoe when I change direction.

I've tried a couple of different shoes, but always the same result. Any suggestions, other than just cutting the buggers off?

[melbrown]

I've seen a lot of tennis players complain of this, as well. You're correct that it's caused by the toenail pushing against the toe of the shoe. One thing I've seen people do is cut a v-shaped notch in the center of the toenail. Not sure why it works, I'd guess it gives the nail a little more "give" when it hits the end of the shoe. *shrugs*

[Alberto]

...or more precisely, toes. I seem to have developed a problem with my big toe and the one next to it, on both feet. If I do multiple games in a day, I invariably end up with blackened toenails. I assume it's from the toes bumping up against the front of the shoe when I change direction.

I've tried a couple of different shoes, but always the same result. Any suggestions, other than just cutting the buggers off?

I would suggest a trip to the doctor. It doesn't sound normal. Something is constricting the flow of blood or causing ruptures to the capillaries at the end of your feet. Typically, you should only get blackened toe nails is someone steps on them.

Okay apparently this is common in long distance running, here's a link

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/injury_archives/black_toe.html

[ref47]

you might have a fungus infection. i have had that problem for 3 years. nothing much works to cure it. even tried the a-list treatment, lamasil, which has a 60-70 % cure rate. didnot cure mine. other than thickening toe nails and some turning black and falling off, it is mostly an appearance problem.

[Laggard]

...or more precisely, toes. I seem to have developed a problem with my big toe and the one next to it, on both feet. If I do multiple games in a day, I invariably end up with blackened toenails. I assume it's from the toes bumping up against the front of the shoe when I change direction.


Had the same thing happen after a 6 game weekend. It's just bruising under the nail. Mine took 6 months to grow out completely. Nothing to worry about.

[kevbrunton]

I also have the same thing happen at the beginning of the spring and fall seasons until they get used to the pounding.

I've found that cutting my nails REAL short helps so that it's actually my toes pushing against the end of the shoe and not the nails themselves.

[mpruitt]

Don't be too alarmed. It is common amongst long distance runners. No idea what kind of precaution or cure there is for it though.

[Ref Flunkie]

Sounds like Leprosy to me. Of course, I could be wrong ;).

[jc508]

In talking with a former FIFA linesman, he strongly urged referees to keep their toenails clippped. I would try clipping your toenails, and if it did not do the trick, I would check with a doctor.

Neither the FIFA linesman nor I are doctors though.

[chrisrun]

I get this sometimes on long runs (> 12 miles). I have found that no matter how much room I have in the toebox of the shoe, the only thing that really helps prevent it is making sure the toenail is clipped short before going on these long runs. Even this doesn't always do the trick. Must be how the toe hits against the nail, rather than the nail against the shoe.

[bungadiri]

...or more precisely, toes. I seem to have developed a problem with my big toe and the one next to it, on both feet. If I do multiple games in a day, I invariably end up with blackened toenails. I assume it's from the toes bumping up against the front of the shoe when I change direction.

I've tried a couple of different shoes, but always the same result. Any suggestions, other than just cutting the buggers off?
Talked about this in the Player forum. I get this from playing and have assumed it's a result of my new shoes being too short. If it's too painful, I fix it by drilling a hole in the nail with my variable speed power drill and a small bit (no kidding--just go slowly and you won't go too deep, which is why I stressed the variable speed). This eliminates the pain instantly. I figure it's cheaper than new shoes since I already own the drill.

A doctor I play with says that in the ER they used to heat straightened paper clips and use that to burn through the nail, with much the same effect. I'm guessing that smells worse than my method, though.

[gkeck]

I also have the same thing happen at the beginning of the spring and fall seasons until they get used to the pounding.

I've found that cutting my nails REAL short helps so that it's actually my toes pushing against the end of the shoe and not the nails themselves.

I have lost toe nails for years in officiating. Best to keep the nails clipped really short. Takes 6 months for them to grow back...and they are real ugly during that time. It works well to get a pedicure, then acrylic nail on the one that is black. It will look real good, (fills in the rough ridges from the lost nail, and last til it grows out...

May sound girly, but it sures beats ugly feet for 6 months...

[gkeck]

I also have the same thing happen at the beginning of the spring and fall seasons until they get used to the pounding.

I've found that cutting my nails REAL short helps so that it's actually my toes pushing against the end of the shoe and not the nails themselves.

I have lost toe nails for years in officiating. Best to keep the nails clipped really short. Takes 6 months for them to grow back...and they are real ugly during that time. It works well to get a pedicure, then acrylic nail on the one that is black. It will look real good, (fills in the rough ridges from the lost nail, and last til it grows out...

May sound girly, but it sures beats ugly feet for 6 months...

[david58]

May sound girly, but it sures beats ugly feet for 6 months...

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif Of course, the one concerned with pretty toenails is from southern california...

I kinda list the black toenails and the funny suntan as badges of honor. Especially since mouldy green toes and no suntan are the normal modus operandi here in Oregon.