Blood blisters under toenail - concerned?

[thebulldog]

I walk/ran a half marathon about 10 days ago. I was undertrained for a true race but had a fun time (it was a Disney race).

I have some pretty bad bruising and a blood blister under my big toe and a two smaller toes. this has happened before when i trained for other halfs years ago. they are a little less painful than right after the race but at what point do i need to be concerned and seek actual medical attention for this?

[al320]

Im not sure if you need medical attention, but you definitely need shoes in a larger size.

[thebulldog]

Mar 7, 2019 5:54:34 GMT -5 al320 said:

Im not sure if you need medical attention, but you definitely need shoes in a larger size.

agreed! i already went a size up but clearly did not work!

[sunnysally]

I had something similar happen when I hiked down an extreme incline. I didn't go to the doctor but I did end up losing a few toenails. I would only go in if there were obvious signs of infection.

[sadlebred]

To ease your mind, you could go to a podiatrist to make sure there is nothing medically wrong. At least in my area they are usually pretty easy to get an appt. with. Ask your running friends/club if they have any recommendations. There are 2-3 in my city that work with a lot of athlete and/or are athletes themselves.

[meganew]

I had a blood blister under an injured toenail from marathon training that lasted months. It turned into a black spot that finally grew off (basically peeled all the way off- gross! Sorry!) on it’s own. But now that I’m training for a half it’s basically right back and bruising again in the same spot. I’ve had my feet measured at a local running store and I actually had to go down two sizes, which helped my blistering in other spots, but now this is happening. Who knows.

[foundmylazybum]

You need either different sized shoes, a different style or brand, and most likely better socks.

You also need a sterilized needle and some iodine.

Pop blister. Soak your feet.


You dont need to seek medical attention.

[Wines Not Whines]

I agree with the recommendations to try going up half a size in your shoes, and also possibly try different socks. Your feet will swell on long, hot runs, so a little extra room is useful, even if the shoes seem to fit when you try them on at the store. What kind of socks are you wearing? Make sure they’re socks made for running and not cotton socks. You can also try swiping body glide on the tips of your toes.

I don’t think that level of blistering for a half marathon is normal, so I would try to address the problem so it doesn’t keep happening. I’ve had an occasional blister or black toenail during a full marathon, but never for a half.

[thebulldog]

as an update - things a better. I soaked my feet every few days - my big toe nail fell off (and it feels so much better) - the blisters under my other toes are going away and i am not in a lot of pain any more.
i will explore new shoes and i did have on actual running socks (not just cotton white socks). I think all will be ok in the end.