A blue toenail is not uncommon. But how does a blue toenail actually develop and how can you treat the nail? Here you can find out everything you need to know about it.
Many mountain athletes and runners know the problem: a blue toenail. Often after very long tours or with new footwear, one or more nails turn blue and hurt.
But you don't have to be a sports cannon to get a blue nail. Often it is enough if your toe bumps against a piece of furniture or a heavy object flies out of your hand and onto your foot.
No matter whether it is a bruise or a hard blow on the nail - bruising occurs and this is responsible for the toenail turning blue.
Table of contents
The causes of a blue toenail
A bruised toenail is nothing more than a bruise under the nail. This is usually caused by repetitive small overloads or a single, adequate trauma.
In simpler terms, either you hit your toe really hard and a blood vessel under the nail is injured, or you get a decent bruise under the nail from a lot of little shocks or pressure.
As a rule, after a while the toenail comes off or the bruise grows out.
There are many causes for this. Often it is enough to bang your toe against a piece of furniture or to drop an object from your hand onto your foot. This is often unavoidable.
But especially hikers and runners often suffer from a blue toenail.
Are you one of them? Then you should definitely look for the cause. If you pay attention to a few things, you can easily prevent a blue nail.
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Mismatched shoes
If you bump your toes on the front of the shoe with every step when hiking or running, you are simply wearing the wrong shoes.
If the shoes are too small, too big, too narrow or too wide, they cause the foot to bump or slip inside the shoe. In addition to painful feet and legs, a blue toenail can also be the result.
New shoes usually need to be broken in for a few days before they can be worn. painless on a day hike, multi-day tours or a long run goes.
Wrong lacing
The best shoe is of little use if it is not laced properly. Ankle-high hiking boots and trekking boots are usually equipped with 2-zone lacing. This means that the lower area of the lacing at the instep and the upper area above the ankle can be laced differently tight.
You should always make use of this option and lace the shoe in such a way that the foot cannot slide forward or can only barely slide forward.
It also makes sense to keep adjusting the shoe to the terrain and situation throughout the day.
Mismatch socks
What applies to the shoes, of course, can be transferred to the socks. Make sure that they do not slip. In the best case, they protect the toes, the ball and the heel with appropriate reinforcement.
This is a great way to prevent a blue toenail.
Too long distances
The longer a walking or running route is, the more steps you take. If the fine vessels on the toenail are strained a little bit more with each step, at least all other factors leading to the blue nail should be ruled out.
The right shoes, the right socks and adjusted lacing is the best condition for long walks and runs.
Wrong foot care
The best way to run is in hiking boots and running shoes with toenails cut short. Nails that are too long not only increase the risk of a painful blue nail, but also of the nail coming off.
And that is anything but pleasant. With the right foot care you can prevent a blue toenail.
How to properly treat a blue toenail
If it is a small bleed under the nail plate and there is no or only mild pain, the body can dissolve the blood over time and the blue toenail will slowly grow out over a long period of time.
If you have just injured your toe, you should cool it immediately and keep it elevated. This will protect the nails and relieve discomfort.
If the nail is partially or completely detached from the nail bed, it is advisable to disinfect the wound properly.
If the pain is very severe, you should definitely see a doctor. He can relieve the nail by a so-called trepanation. A hole is made in the nail with a sterile or heated needle so that the bruise can drain off.
Attention: This procedure should only be performed by a doctor! Otherwise you risk an infection, which can cause even greater pain.
In addition, you should first not put on the shoes that caused the blue nail.
How long a blue nail takes to heal
Even in the best case, i.e. when the nail does not come off but is only blue underneath, it can take a very long time for the toe to heal completely.
Part of the blood is broken down under the toenail after the bruise is formed. Another part becomes solid and connects directly to the nail and grows out with it.
So it can take a while until your nail looks normal again. From several months to a year.
If the nail has fallen off, the nail that grows back may often be crooked, crooked or grow into the skin. If the nail is severely damaged or completely detached, it is advisable to seek medical help.
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How you can prevent a blue toenail
A well-fitting shoe is the key to avoiding a blue toenail.
When buying shoes, make sure that the toes have enough space and are not squeezed. The big toe is most often affected by this.
The width of the shoes is also crucial. If you have a wider foot, you also need a wider shoe. Only then your foot feels comfortable and is not exposed to pressure.
But the shoes should also not be too big. Otherwise, the toes will claw and try to stabilize the foot.
As mentioned above, in addition to shoes, socks also play an important role. There are special sports or hiking socks that prevent slipping back and forth and can thus protect the nails.
If you suffer from foot deformity, you should get custom insoles.
Our conclusion
As a rule, a blue toenail is not a cause for concern. Make sure you wear the right shoes to minimize the risk of injury. If you have severe pain, be sure to see a doctor.
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