Question about running and toenails (kind of gross) for runners who have btdt

[Anonymous]

I've been running very casually for about six months, but stepped up my mileage last week as I began training for my first 10K. About five days ago I developed a black toenail during a longer run - I understand this probably means I need new running shoes (I've already gotten new, more appropriate socks) and plan to take care of the shoe fitting this weekend.

The toenail was very tender for about two days, but doesn't hurt much anymore. I ran yesterday without any pain. However, today I noticed clear/yellowish discharge oozing out from under the toenail (I didn't run, no pain). Is this normal, or might it be a sign of infection? I've never had a black toenail before, but I've done some online research and did not see any reference to discharge. I'd love an experienced runner to tell me whether this is normal, or if I need to get it looked at. Thanks a lot!

[Anonymous]

Experienced runner here. Sorry, can't help you with your symptoms but just want to say: definitely get a shoesize larger.

[Anonymous]

I've had the black toenails, but never a yellow discharge. My black toenails actually fell off after a couple days.

I would get that checked out.

And yes, a larger shoe size. I find that in normal shoes I wear a size 7, and in running shoes I wear a 7.5 wide--the wide gives me extra room in the toe box and really helps me not get the black toenails any more.

[Anonymous]

If you have clear, yellow discharge, it's not infected. If there's an infection, the discharge will be cloudy and smelly.

That straw colored, clear discharge is serous fluid. It contains proteins, electrolytes and sugars. It's part of the healing process. I'd just ignore it, if that's all that is going on. It will heal on its own. Your toe will heal and will grow the damage nail out.

If it hurts a lot, go see a doctor. He/she can relieve the pressure.

If the discharge, gets cloudy and smelly, go see a doctor. You need an antibiotic.

[Anonymous]

I've been running for 2 years and have never heard of your condition. You definitely need new shoes - even consider 1 to 1.5 sizes larger - see a reputable running store for a fitting. (I normally wear 7-7.5 and wear 8.5 in running shoes. I know someone else who wears a 7.5 normally but 9 in running shoes.)

For your toenail issue, I'd see a podiatrist.

[Anonymous]

Black toenails are a rite of passage for runners, and a twisted badge of honor.

I wonder if you might have a blister under the toenail - when a blister pops, what comes out is clear/yellowish.

I'd recommend buying a full size (not a half size) larger shoes, but if you go much bigger than that, you might get more blisters from the shoes moving around on your foot.

I have been running a little less than normal this year and the only good thing about that is that for once in my life, I have 10 toenails and none of them are black.

[Anonymous]

I run 20-25 miles a week and have so for the past 7+ year and have never had a black toe-nail! Running shoes should always be 1/2-whole size larger than your street shoe size. I would get it checked out by a doctor, it might very well be an infection.

[Anonymous]

I had black tonsils for a while - combination of running and soccer.
If the fluid didn't smell and the toe itself isn't red, it's not an infection. Fluid is from blisters (I also used to get blisters very easily).
If it's a thicker yellow and smells, or the toe is painful and red, that's an infection.
You can google home remedies for infections or go see a doctor. I physically had to cut most of my toenail off (painful) and wash infection out with hydrogen peroxide followed by tea tree oil.
Welcome to the ugly feet running club!

[Anonymous]

I agree that it doesn't sound like an infection. I've been running for years and I haven't had black toenails since I first started out and didn't have properly fitted shoes. What usually causes the bruising and pressure is a build-up of blood/fluid underneath. It's like a blister that will either pop or just reabsorb. I've had them pop and ooze, although mine oozed blood. If I were you, I would assume this was just part of the healing process unless it got smelly or hot. (Yellow wouldn't bother me.) you can try soaking it in Epsom salts to dry it up.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like it might be subungual hematoma.

[Anonymous]

Sounds normal.
Yes to the Epsom salt soak. And an echo on running shoe size--my street shoes are size 9, running shoes are size 10.
I've also found that wearing toe socks (Injinji, there are other brands too) on long, hilly runs helps. Running downhills hard is where I had problems.