Toe and Toenail Misery

7840 Views 31 Replies 11 Participants Last post by fatmantrying, Jan 1, 2008

sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2007

Warning: do not read any farther if you are squeamish, especially about feet. 
I am a little depressed about the condition of my toes. Of 10 toes, I am now missing 4 nails (3rd and 4th toe on each foot), 2 are black, 2 nails (my second toes) are abnormally thick, and two nails (big toes) are scuffed. 
I've always had occasional black nails and my second toe nails have gotten thick no matter what style and size shoes I run in. I file them down so it's not so obvious. (My second toes are not longer than the big toes, either.) 
During the marathon I ran 3 weeks ago and since, I've had more blistering than normal underneath and around the nail beds every time I run. Or, I guess, where nails used to be on some of the toes. 
We won't even get in to the blisters and callouses on my second toe tips and medial side of my big toes. 
I was just visiting my hometown and both my mom and best friend, you know, those unconditional love types, proclaimed my feet disgusting. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"> I look at my feet and am repulsed. 
The cosmetic side does really bother me. Besides preferring to have cute feet, I teach yoga and pilates so am barefoot for part of my job. It does not make a good impression. Also, healthwise, I am starting to worry about infection developing, especially on the toes w/o nails. 
I buy running shoes 1 1/2 sizes too big and Body Glide my feet before long runs. My toes don't hurt while I run but after runs are just disfigured. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"> Maybe I need to step that up and/or wear some different socks? I wear Thorlo socks. Or use a different product? Or convince my health insurance provider that weekly pedicures are medically necessary? <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> 
Has anyone had success with resolving issues like this? I am especially curious about preventing these problems and re-growing as normal as possible nails. Ugh.

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 28, 2007

Oh, kcwoodhead, you are braver than I. Thank you for posting because now I don't feel so alone. Misery loves company. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> You're right that the polish helps appearance, but I'm wondering if it hinders healing or regrowth any? 
I had no idea they even made fake toenails, but I'm not sure that's the route for me. 
I am no stranger to bedroom surgery!

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 28, 2007

meri -- a half size smaller? 
My gait doesn't change as far as I know, but I may not be the best judge. I guess you can see next week!

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #19 · Dec 28, 2007

tithers -- your very pretty feet are not welcome in this thread! <img alt="mad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/mad.gif"><img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"> 
altoids & meri -- are you familiar with any shoes with a deep toe box? I love my NB 76x series in every other way, though. It's probably worth looking, but with other brands (Saucony, ASICS) I've had similar issues. 
I have totally normal feet, actually. Size 8, not wide, not narrow, no bunions, easy to fit all shoes. 
kcwoodhead -- I'm not sure I curl my toes. I consciously do body scans every so often while running and don't notice that. It's good you know what is causing your toe issues though. Do you think it's something you can change? 
I am already nervous because at the yoga retreat tomorrow we're learning a massage technique for hands, face, and feet. Some poor girl is going to have to massage my feet. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #22 · Dec 29, 2007

Durt -- I don't take them because I keep forgetting to order them. I do not avoid salt/sodium in my daily diet, though.

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #24 · Dec 30, 2007

OK, I am booking a pedicure first think Monday.

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #29 · Dec 31, 2007

I will definitely try after reading the article and hearing from you and Chuck. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if that's what does the trick. I was a salty salty girl after the marathon, and I know I get sodium issues on long runs (puffy fingers).

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #30 · Dec 31, 2007

Ouch! Don't you hate when those furniture legs jump out into your path? 
What does the doc recommend? With a fracture it's usually rest to let the bone heal, maybe casting or otherwise immobilizing? Make sure you consume enough calcium, Vitamin D, protein to support bone building and healing.

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