Toenail Pain [Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails]
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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
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.
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 are 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.
Left great toenail bleeding black toenail with left 2nd red toenail.Are Bruised Toenails Common?
- It is very common to experience toenail pain after a race.
- It is common knowledge that after a long race such as a marathon, a good deal of 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 is 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!
Both big toe joints are sore from rubbing due to tight shoes.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 effected.
- In most people this is the big toenail, 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!
Right great toe fracture and right 3rd toe fracture.Bruised Toenails in Ultra-marathoners:
- I previously worked a couple 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 ran 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!
Both feet have big black toenails.Who else gets Bruised Toenails?
- “Weekend Warriors”- Those who go all out with a body 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 in new shoes.
- People who drop something heavy on their toenails.
- People who stub their toenail 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 a large bruised toenails.
1) One Large Very Forceful Impact.
A massive amount of force in just one hit. Examples of this include dropping a heavy object onto your toe, or smashing your toe against a stair while running.
Right great toe fracture and right 3rd toe fracture.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, with 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.
Both big toe joints are sore from rubbing due to tight shoes.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. If you are only running for 20 minutes or less per day and are in shape, this won’t make much of a different. But the tighter the shoe, the more you weight and the farther your run- the more you are at risk!
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:
Toenail Fungus Best Treatment 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 not necessary to buy anything expensive or online; it is fine simply using a product like Vaseline or any other petroleum oil in most circumstances.
- So get yourself some petroleum jelly at your corner store and just 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 is much as possible, and file that nailed down.
- These products are not meant to replace prescription drugs or medical treatment equipment.
- If you are able to 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
Table could not be displayed.
Best Toenail Fungus Clippers & Files:
- This is something you have to be careful using at home, and deftly don’t use these if you have dangerous health conditions.
- These are some great value heavy duty clippers and sets.
- The key is to cut straight across, and file the nail down from the top to keep it from 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 worried about cutting or hurting yourself.
- This is something covered, so don’t take chances with your health!
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$13.99
$24.99
$12.99
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Price:
$13.99
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Price:
$24.99
Overview:
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Cons:
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$12.99
Overview:
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Fungus Polish and Remover:
- There are some great toenail fungus polish options and polish removal options.
- There are none acetone based toenail polish remover’s, they don’t dry as quickly, but they are less like a dehydrator toenail.
- This also applies for your fingernails and hands.
- The benefits of using these non-toxic toenail polishes are: they are filled with non-fungal options such as tea tree oil which prevent the spread of 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.
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Non-Acetone Toenail Polish Remover
Great Clear Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Great Multicolor Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Nail file and removal equipment set.
Price:
$11.99
$18.99
$56.00
$9.99
Overview:
Great non-toxic and non-acetone toenail remove. Great budget price with removal.
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients.
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients. Variety of colors.
Great reviews and value for toenail polish remover with nail file.
Pros:
Great reviewed product: 4.4/5 with 1600+ reviews. No acetone.
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.4/5 with over 200+ ratings. Great brand.
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.5/5 with a reliable brand.
Great reviews at 4.4/5 with 270 ratings. Includes nail files which are important.
Cons:
There are some questions about what organic really means for this brand. Some prefer the faster drying of acetone.
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly.
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly. Can be more expensive due to anti-fungal ingredients
More of a value budget set.
Crucial Tips:
Some prefer the quicker drying of acetone, but this works better if you are having drying and fungus issues.
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
The key is after removal, the nail files are useful for removal dry superficial nails and keratin granulations.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Non-Acetone Toenail Polish Remover
Price:
$11.99
Overview:
Great non-toxic and non-acetone toenail remove. Great budget price with removal.
Pros:
Great reviewed product: 4.4/5 with 1600+ reviews. No acetone.
Cons:
There are some questions about what organic really means for this brand. Some prefer the faster drying of acetone.
Crucial Tips:
Some prefer the quicker drying of acetone, but this works better if you are having drying and fungus issues.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Clear Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Price:
$18.99
Overview:
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients.
Pros:
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.4/5 with over 200+ ratings. Great brand.
Cons:
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly.
Crucial Tips:
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Multicolor Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Price:
$56.00
Overview:
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients. Variety of colors.
Pros:
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.5/5 with a reliable brand.
Cons:
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly. Can be more expensive due to anti-fungal ingredients
Crucial Tips:
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Nail file and removal equipment set.
Price:
$9.99
Overview:
Great reviews and value for toenail polish remover with nail file.
Pros:
Great reviews at 4.4/5 with 270 ratings. Includes nail files which are important.
Cons:
More of a value budget set.
Crucial Tips:
The key is after removal, the nail files are useful for removal dry superficial nails and keratin granulations.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best AntiFungal Moisture Wicking Socks:
- These are some great options for moisture wicking sucks.
- 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 are a diabetic focus on getting yourself some diabetic socks.
Best woman’s antifungal socks:
Table could not be displayed.
Best men’s antifungal socks:
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Great Men’s Dress Socks designed for Moisture Wicking.
Great overall bamboo socks. Crew sock length with good budget price.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
These are great options for dress shoes with moisture wicking properties.
Great value and great reviews. Crew sock length.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Great socks with very good reviews. Many options and moisture wicking technology.
Great reviews at 4.4/5 and over 150+ reviews.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Dress shoes are not the most comfortable. Your feet have to work hard in dress shoes. These are very effective.
A little on the thinner side compared to most crew socks. Good for work, not for outside cold weather.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Get a 3/4 length dress orthotics or a full length dress orthotic that will let your feet work less hard.
Get a great breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great Men’s Dress Socks designed for Moisture Wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are great options for dress shoes with moisture wicking properties.
Pros:
Great socks with very good reviews. Many options and moisture wicking technology.
Cons:
Dress shoes are not the most comfortable. Your feet have to work hard in dress shoes. These are very effective.
Crucial Tips:
Get a 3/4 length dress orthotics or a full length dress orthotic that will let your feet work less hard.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great overall bamboo socks. Crew sock length with good budget price.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great value and great reviews. Crew sock length.
Pros:
Great reviews at 4.4/5 and over 150+ reviews.
Cons:
A little on the thinner side compared to most crew socks. Good for work, not for outside cold weather.
Crucial Tips:
Get a great breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Recommended foot fungus products:
- It is also very important to fix your foot fungus.
- Even if you cure your toenail fungus, keep your toenails trimmed in healthy: it is possible for your foot fungus to 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.
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$31.49
$19.32
$15.30
$14.79
$14.97
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Price:
$31.49
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Price:
$19.32
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Shower Body Wash
Price:
$15.30
Overview:
Great cost effective shower wash.
Pros:
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Price:
$14.79
Overview:
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$14.97
Overview:
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
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 that have mesh around the toes.
- Specifically good pairs of running shoes have 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.
Toenail Pain [Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails]
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