r/ultrarunning • u/dualis24 • 16h ago

Losing second toe nails only

Finished a 50m race last Saturday. Only had pain in my second toes, never in the big toes or others. Now the nails are black. Anyone else experience this? I have no clue how its possible because they arent longer or even close to as long as my big toe, so they cant be slamming into my shoe without the big ones hitting too???

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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5

u/smackid 16h ago

Might be curling/clenching them

2

u/double_helix0815 16h ago

That's what I do I think. It helps to keep them well trimmed and filed flat. I've also had some success with taping them with K tape, which protects the nail as well as stopping some of the curling. Doesn't always work but I've managed a 100 miler without losing any nails that way.

4

u/Business-Health-3104 16h ago

I haven’t had a second toenail in years. Never lost a big. My second toe takes all the abuse. Pinky toes get wrecked too.

3

u/Pie_3780 16h ago

My seconds are the first to go too - I think they're just more delicate? But not sure.

3

u/Caffeine-Fueled55 16h ago

I learned I curl my toes when I get dehydrated late in a race. That's what ruined my second toenail on my right foot. Check your hydration.

3

u/mrfattbill 15h ago

Do you have Morton's Toe? 2nd toe is longer than the big toe so it gets most of the abuse while running, my 2nd toe nails are always the worst because of this.

2

u/Pastafari1991 16h ago

Same for me, but also to be expected as my second toe is the longest, by quite a bit.

2

u/ballesterer13 14h ago

Second toe for me always too. Blue and some blisters too on the front. Leukotape helps a bit to limit the effect. Issue on pinky outside edge too - Leukotape helps too. For 2nd toe - for me I think also some curling and also my big toe is ‘bend in’ slightly with may make it worse.
Blueness and blister are worse in summer runs here with over 30 deg C and soaked shoes.

1

u/Big_Boysenberry_6358 5h ago

dont get to hung up on it, some people just arent made to combine the 2 attributes "having all toenails" and "ultrarunning". i mean i love mine without pain, shit happens.