Toenail Pain [Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails]
Black & Bruised Toenail Bleeding [Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment]
Do you have a black & bruised toenail with bleeding? AKA subungual hematoma. It is usually caused by blunt force trauma and exercising with bad shoes!
Look:
- Red & black toenail pain can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
- We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
- The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if at all possible.
So, let’s GO!
Table of Contents
Bruised toenail treatment video:
Do I have a bruised toenail or fungus? Causes:
Red or Black Toenail Picture & Photo Gallery:
Look:
- A red toenail generally means fresh blood or a fresh injury.
- This can be called a toenail hematoma or fresh blood from repetitive irritation.
- A black toenail is generally more dried blood that has crested underneath the toenail.
- Very infrequently, can a black toenail be something more dangerous like melanoma?
- It is also possible for your toenail to the infected with toenail fungus. This can also then result in rubbing and bleeding after the toenail fungus.
- If there is toenail fungus, this is usually more of a brown or yellow color.
- A toenail falling off is a widespread problem as well.
Please click on the photo gallery for descriptions & full-size photos!
Please click on the photo gallery for descriptions & full size photos!
What Is A Bruised Toenail?
- A bruised toenail occurs after your toes experience some serious overuse or injury!
- This can happen if your drop something on your toes or bang them very hard.
- This type of injury can also occur during some extreme exercise, such as marathon running or training.
- It is especially more common after running hills, hiking, and starting a new exercise class.
- The problem with bruised toenails is not only how unsightly they are!
- They can continue causing severe pain and can even fall off over time.
- If these nails are not properly treated, this can lead to fungal infection and deformed regrowth of the nail in the future.
Are Bruised Toenails Common?
- It is widespread to experience toenail pain after a race.
- It is common knowledge that after a long race such as a marathon, many people will experience toe pain.
- This is especially more common if this is one of your first marathons, or you are just getting your body used to this type of punishment!
- Your feet and toes will usually be swollen.
- If your feet and toes are swollen, this means your toenail will have a decrease in blood and will also undergo inflammation.
- If this swelling and pain are severe enough, your toenail may loosen and fill with blood.
- The under-surface of the nail plate is rich with blood vessels, and if ruptured, they will bleed!
What Toenails Are Most Commonly Bruised?
- The most commonly bruised toenails are those from the longest toes.
- It is usually the longest toe that is most commonly affected.
- This is the big toenail in most people, but it is perfectly normal for the 2nd toe to be the longest in some people.
- It is also common for the 3rd toenail to experience bruising as well!
- The 5th toe is likely to go numb and experience tingling, experience a corn or callus, but rarely a bruised 5th toenail!
Bruised Toenails in Ultra-marathoners:
- I previously worked a couple of ultra marathons at an aid station as a student.
- It is amazing how many injuries develop at the end of these massive races. Some of these runners have never run anything like this but push themselves to the limit.
- Bruised toenails, loose toenails, stress fractures, and chronic muscle inflammation in places you have never seen before!
- At these distances, bruised toenails are very common! So you have nothing to worry about, there is nothing wrong with you!
Who else gets Bruised Toenails?
- “Weekend Warriors”- Those who go all out with a body are not prepared for it.
- People starting new exercise classes.
- People starting a weight loss routine and pushing themselves very hard at the beginning.
- People breaking into new shoes.
- People who drop something heavy on their toenails.
- People who stub their toenails very hard!
Bruised Toenail Causes:
The basic formula for developing a bruised toenail is the amount of force with the repetition of that force. So two scenarios are possible for acquiring large bruised toenails.
1) One Large Very Forceful Impact.
A massive amount of force in just one hit. Examples include dropping a heavy object onto your toe or smashing your toe against a stair while running.
Symptoms:
- Obvious pain.
- Swelling and bleeding within 30 minutes.
- Numbness and tingling are possible.
- Black or red toenail.
2) Many Small Repetitive Impacts.
- This is the type of pain runners usually experience.
- This is most common in runners. This is experienced as shear stress.
- As you are running forward, each step as it plants into the group, the toes slide into the shoe.
- So with each step, the skin under the toenail is pulling away from the toenail.
- The more steps you take, the heavier you are, and the tighter your shoe is:, the more damage is being caused.
Symptoms:
- Obvious pain.
- Swelling and bleeding within 30 minutes.
- Numbness and tingling are possible.
- Black or red toenail.
Risk Factors:
What makes runners more susceptible to this type of injury?
1)Poorly fitted shoes:
- As mentioned above, your foot does need room to slide forward into the front of your shoe with each step.
- But the tighter the shoe, the more you weigh and the farther your run- the more you are at risk!
- If you are only running for 20 minutes or less per day and are in shape, this won’t make much difference.
2)Running hills:
- The more you down hills and up hills, the more your feet will slide.
- The more the slide in your shoe absorbing impact, the more your toenails are at risk!
3)Increased weight:
- The more you weigh, the more at risk you are for friction forces through the front of your toes.
4)Extremely long races:
- The further your run, especially marathons and ultra-marathons, the more you are at risk!
- In my experience, losing a toenail is very common in ultra-marathoners!
Best Toenail Fungus Products:
- These are our favorite products to treat toenail fungus at home.
- Keratin Granulations are very easily taken care of through moisturizing your nails with cuticle wax, oils and simply avoiding nail polish for a little while.
- It is unnecessary to buy anything expensive or online; it is fine to use Vaseline or any other petroleum oil in most circumstances.
- So get yourself some petroleum jelly at your corner store and apply it to your nails at night when you won’t be using your hands. In 2 weeks, you should be in great shape!
- Make sure you read the reviews and see if it is good for you!
How to fix toenail fungus:
- There are many different types of toenail damage.
- In our experience, about 90% or more is related to toenail fungus.
- The key to toenail fungus is to trim it as much as possible and file that nailed down.
- These products are not meant to replace prescription drugs or medical treatment equipment.
- If you can do that, you have to make sure you can kill fungus the rest of the way.
- The best way to do that is to soak exfoliate the affected toenail skin. So, consider foot soaks.
- At the same time, you have to apply antifungal medication such as these medications recommended here or the toenail repair pens.
![Bruised Toenail 9 Ariella Nail Fungus Treatment - Toenail Fungus Treatment Extra Strength - Finger & Toe Nail Fungus Treatment - Toenail Fungus Treatment Extra Strength - Nail Repair Pen 4pcs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hpyj10VcL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 10 NZ Country Manuka 100% Pure New Zealand Manuka Oil | Organic Essential Oil | 35x Stronger Than Organic Tea Tree Oil | Natural Skin Care | Diffuser | Aromatherapy | Nails | Hair | Skin | Lips](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pa8CSLtHL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 11 Foot Finish Foot Repair Cream for Athletes Foot Treatment - 4oz Foot Cream for Dry Cracked Feet - Tea Tree Toenail Treatment - Powerful, Natural Anti Itch Cream with Tea Tree, Rose & Lavender Essential Oils](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51P7UGoT+-L._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 12 Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak with Epsom Salt - Made in USA - for Toenail Athletes Foot, Stubborn Foot Odor Scent, Softens Calluses & Soothes Sore Tired Feet - 16 Ounces](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GzkmTLQyL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 13 Naturenics Tea Tree Essential Oil | 100% USDA Organic Melaleuca Alternifolia Therapeutic Grade | Natures Solution for Acne, Lice, Toenail Fungus, Hair, Face,Skin Problems | Roll On & eBook - 1 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yRfkwuSiL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 9 Ariella Nail Fungus Treatment - Toenail Fungus Treatment Extra Strength - Finger & Toe Nail Fungus Treatment - Toenail Fungus Treatment Extra Strength - Nail Repair Pen 4pcs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hpyj10VcL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 10 NZ Country Manuka 100% Pure New Zealand Manuka Oil | Organic Essential Oil | 35x Stronger Than Organic Tea Tree Oil | Natural Skin Care | Diffuser | Aromatherapy | Nails | Hair | Skin | Lips](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pa8CSLtHL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 11 Foot Finish Foot Repair Cream for Athletes Foot Treatment - 4oz Foot Cream for Dry Cracked Feet - Tea Tree Toenail Treatment - Powerful, Natural Anti Itch Cream with Tea Tree, Rose & Lavender Essential Oils](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51P7UGoT+-L._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 12 Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak with Epsom Salt - Made in USA - for Toenail Athletes Foot, Stubborn Foot Odor Scent, Softens Calluses & Soothes Sore Tired Feet - 16 Ounces](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GzkmTLQyL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 13 Naturenics Tea Tree Essential Oil | 100% USDA Organic Melaleuca Alternifolia Therapeutic Grade | Natures Solution for Acne, Lice, Toenail Fungus, Hair, Face,Skin Problems | Roll On & eBook - 1 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yRfkwuSiL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Toenail Fungus Clippers & Files:
- You have to be careful using at home, and deftly don’t use these if you have dangerous health conditions.
- There are some great value heavy-duty clippers and files.
- The key is to cut straight across and file the nail down from the top to prevent impinging in the corners.
- It is also important to make sure all dead, dry skin is removed surrounding the foot.
- This is where you should really see your podiatrist if you have any concerns or are worried about cutting or hurting yourself.
- This is something covered, so don’t take chances with your health!
![Bruised Toenail 19 Nail Clippers Sets High Precisio Stainless Steel Nail Cutter Pedicure Kit Nail File Sharp Nail Scissors and Clipper Manicure Pedicure Kit Fingernails & Toenails with Portable stylish case (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VRH8CVprL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 20 Norchan Large Nail Clippers Set, 5 Pcs Sharp Toenail and Fingernail Clippers for Men and Women (Premium, Big Size, Heavy-Duty Design)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EgN2j5AsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 21 KOHM Nail Clippers for Thick Nails - Heavy Duty, Wide Mouth Professional Fingernail and Toenail Clippers for Men, Women & Seniors, Silver](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YBggTC9gL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 19 Nail Clippers Sets High Precisio Stainless Steel Nail Cutter Pedicure Kit Nail File Sharp Nail Scissors and Clipper Manicure Pedicure Kit Fingernails & Toenails with Portable stylish case (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VRH8CVprL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 20 Norchan Large Nail Clippers Set, 5 Pcs Sharp Toenail and Fingernail Clippers for Men and Women (Premium, Big Size, Heavy-Duty Design)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EgN2j5AsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 21 KOHM Nail Clippers for Thick Nails - Heavy Duty, Wide Mouth Professional Fingernail and Toenail Clippers for Men, Women & Seniors, Silver](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YBggTC9gL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Toenail Fungus Polish and Remover:
- There is some great toenail fungus polish options and polish removal options.
- Some non-acetone-based toenail polish removers don’t dry as quickly, but they are less like dehydrating the toenail.
- This also applies to your fingernails and hands.
- The benefits of using these non-toxic toenail polishes are filled with non-fungal options such as tea tree oil, preventing toenail fungus.
- These can also work well for the fingernails.
- So great combo is to use one of these healthier toenail paint options, as well as a non-acetone-based toenail polish remover.
![Bruised Toenail 25 Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover with Soybean Oil and Lavender Oil- Non Toxic, Vegan, Cruelty Free, Acetone Free – Nails Strengthener for Fingernails – 4 fl. Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GowlwCohL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 26 Dr.'s Remedy Total Two-In-One Base And Top Coat Nail Polish Clear Glaze Organic Nail Polishes Quick Dry, Clear Combination Base & Top Coats, 0.5 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31+LVFdemSL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 27 Teenitor Gel Nail Polish Remover Tools Kit, Nail Clips For Polish Removal, Nail Remover Pads Cuticle Peeler Nail File Buffer Nail Brushes, Nail Soak Off Clips For Hands and Toes Purple](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5158JWKUWjL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 25 Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover with Soybean Oil and Lavender Oil- Non Toxic, Vegan, Cruelty Free, Acetone Free – Nails Strengthener for Fingernails – 4 fl. Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GowlwCohL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 26 Dr.'s Remedy Total Two-In-One Base And Top Coat Nail Polish Clear Glaze Organic Nail Polishes Quick Dry, Clear Combination Base & Top Coats, 0.5 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31+LVFdemSL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 27 Teenitor Gel Nail Polish Remover Tools Kit, Nail Clips For Polish Removal, Nail Remover Pads Cuticle Peeler Nail File Buffer Nail Brushes, Nail Soak Off Clips For Hands and Toes Purple](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5158JWKUWjL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Antifungal Moisture Wicking Socks:
- These are some great options for moisture-wicking socks.
- We tried to focus on budget value stocks that are not too expensive.
- Sure there are better stocks out there, but these are great socks for a great price for most people.
- If you have diabetes, focus on getting yourself some diabetic socks.
Best woman’s antifungal socks:
![Bruised Toenail 31 Saucony Women's 8/16 Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks, Grey Assorted (8 Pairs), Medium](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dTjy4ukXL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 32 Carhartt womens Plus Force Performance Work Crew 3 Pair Pack Casual Sock, Black, Medium US](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31jjjZ8hUtL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 33 CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men (8 Pairs) 15-20 mmHg Graduated Copper Support Socks are Best for Pregnant, Nurses - Boost Performance, Circulation, Knee High & Wide Calf (S/M, Multi 06)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aOBLuCh4L._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 34 SERISIMPLE Women Viscose Bamboo Ankle Socks Low Cut Thin Sock Lightweight Pastal Color Soft Sock 5 Pairs(Assorted, Medium)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416c1P0A9FL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 31 Saucony Women's 8/16 Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks, Grey Assorted (8 Pairs), Medium](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dTjy4ukXL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 32 Carhartt womens Plus Force Performance Work Crew 3 Pair Pack Casual Sock, Black, Medium US](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31jjjZ8hUtL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 33 CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men (8 Pairs) 15-20 mmHg Graduated Copper Support Socks are Best for Pregnant, Nurses - Boost Performance, Circulation, Knee High & Wide Calf (S/M, Multi 06)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aOBLuCh4L._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 34 SERISIMPLE Women Viscose Bamboo Ankle Socks Low Cut Thin Sock Lightweight Pastal Color Soft Sock 5 Pairs(Assorted, Medium)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416c1P0A9FL._SL160_.jpg)
Best men’s antifungal socks:
![Bruised Toenail 39 Dickies Men's Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks Multipack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XK+vPvsUL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 40 Saucony Men's Multi-pack Mesh Ventilating Comfort Fit Performance No-Show Socks](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HTk3Mv-4L._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 39 Dickies Men's Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks Multipack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XK+vPvsUL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 40 Saucony Men's Multi-pack Mesh Ventilating Comfort Fit Performance No-Show Socks](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HTk3Mv-4L._SL160_.jpg)
Recommended foot fungus products:
- It is also imperative to fix your foot fungus.
- Even if you cure your toenail fungus, keep your toenails trimmed in healthy: your foot fungus can spread back into toenails.
- It’s not a far journey from skin fungus to jump onto your toenails again.
- So make sure you treat your foot fungus, as well as your toenail fungus.
![Bruised Toenail 43 3 in 1 Professional Foot Spa Kit-with Tea Tree Foot & Body Soak-Tea Tree Body Wash & Nail Blend-Soothes Dry, Burning & Itchy Skin-Refreshes Unwanted Foot Odor-Restores Unhealthy Nails-Purely Northwest](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dcdMGZ5dL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 44 Lotrimin Athlete's Foot Deodorant Antifungal Powder Spray, Miconazole Nitrate 2%, Clinically Proven Effective Antifungal Treatment of Most AF, Jock Itch & Ringworm, 4.6 Ounce (Pack of 3)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516aClq0EgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 45 Purely Northwest-Natural Tea Tree & Peppermint Scalp & Body Wash-Men & Women-Soothes & Refreshes: Odor, Acne, Jock Itch, Irritated Itchy Scalp-(Can be used with a Silicone Body Scrubber) 9oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Xqq+gRbKL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 46 PURELY NORTHWEST-Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Foot Soak with Epsom Salt-for Stubborn Foot Odor, Athletes Foot Burning & Itching, Damaged Discolored Nails-A Natural Callus Remover 16 Ounces](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wlCxXbacL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 47 Foot Soaking Bath Basin - Large Size for Soaking Feet, Best Pedicure at Home Spa Treatment - Callus, Fungus and Dead Skin Remover, Enjoy Hot Water Foot Massager, Scrubbing in This Tub/Bucket - Gray](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qrW7kzc6L._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 43 3 in 1 Professional Foot Spa Kit-with Tea Tree Foot & Body Soak-Tea Tree Body Wash & Nail Blend-Soothes Dry, Burning & Itchy Skin-Refreshes Unwanted Foot Odor-Restores Unhealthy Nails-Purely Northwest](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dcdMGZ5dL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 44 Lotrimin Athlete's Foot Deodorant Antifungal Powder Spray, Miconazole Nitrate 2%, Clinically Proven Effective Antifungal Treatment of Most AF, Jock Itch & Ringworm, 4.6 Ounce (Pack of 3)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516aClq0EgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 45 Purely Northwest-Natural Tea Tree & Peppermint Scalp & Body Wash-Men & Women-Soothes & Refreshes: Odor, Acne, Jock Itch, Irritated Itchy Scalp-(Can be used with a Silicone Body Scrubber) 9oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Xqq+gRbKL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 46 PURELY NORTHWEST-Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Foot Soak with Epsom Salt-for Stubborn Foot Odor, Athletes Foot Burning & Itching, Damaged Discolored Nails-A Natural Callus Remover 16 Ounces](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wlCxXbacL._SL160_.jpg)
![Bruised Toenail 47 Foot Soaking Bath Basin - Large Size for Soaking Feet, Best Pedicure at Home Spa Treatment - Callus, Fungus and Dead Skin Remover, Enjoy Hot Water Foot Massager, Scrubbing in This Tub/Bucket - Gray](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qrW7kzc6L._SL160_.jpg)
Get The Best Shoes:
- You definitely want to get great shoes and sandals for your toenail fungus and foot fungus.
- Specifically, when you are in a communal shower or pool, you want to get a good pair of sandals. We compiled a great list of our recommended orthotic flip-flops.
- You also want to get new breathable shoes that are not covered in sweat and mesh around the toes.
- Specifically, good pairs of running shoes have a mesh where your toes are. This prevents your toenails from rubbing and prevents them from dreaming on the front of the foot.
- Click on the below link to see which shoes we recommend for your toenail fungus and foot fungus.