Tag Archives: Black Toe

How to Avoid Winter Foot Conditions

Even though the holidays are officially over and temperatures have been normalizing a bit, be mindful that sudden temperature drops may happen anytime and cause uncomfortable foot conditions. This is even more relevant for those who participate in winter sports.  So, here are the top five winter foot conditions:

1. Chilblains

Chilblains occur when the blood vessels in your skin do not respond in time to sudden temperature changes. Symptoms may include small, itchy red spots, blistering or skin ulcers, and swollen burning skin. In order to avoid chilblains, limit your exposure to cold, cover all exposed skin as much as possible, bundle up to keep your body warm and do not smoke.

2. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s Phenomenon occurs when your blood circulation is limited in certain areas of your body, especially your fingers and toes.  This low blood circulation causes these areas of your body to feel numb and cold. This often happens due to cold temperatures or stress. Prevent Raynaud’s Phenomenon by keeping your house and office warm and by being cautious when you are outdoors.

3. Skier’s Toe

Are you a fan of skiing? While it is certainly fun, please keep in mind your toes. If you notice your toenail has become black, it is likely you have bleeding under your nail, or “subungual hematoma”. This condition can be caused by trauma or continuous use of tight shoes. Make sure your socks fit and your boots have enough room for your toes to avoid this condition.

4. Morton’s Neuroma

Did you know winter boots may cause Morton’s Neuroma if they don’t fit properly?  With this condition, you can feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoes, experience a burning pain in the ball of your foot, as well as tingling or general numbness. Morton’s Neuroma may lead to foot deformities, so get fitting shoes and ask your podiatrist for treatment options.

5. Blisters

Similar to Morton’s Neuroma and Skier’s toe, foot blisters are caused by unfit shoes. To best prevent the condition, wear well-fitting socks and shoes. Do not attempt to wear those non-returnable unfit pairs of boots you got for Christmas. If you do get a blister, avoid popping it yourself. Instead, clean it with disinfectant and cover it with a bandage for protection. If it opens, make sure you pay a visit to your trusted podiatrist as soon as possible.

 

Are you training for Bix? Here are a few tips and tricks for avoiding Black Toe.

One of the most common issues affecting runners and their feet is Black Toe.  Black Toe occurs when your feet slide forward in your shoe while walking and running, resulting in your toes banging against the top, front, and sides of the shoe.  This pressure is caused by the constant banging of the toes and can damage your toenail beds, creating a blister under the toenail that can become extremely painful.  The extra blood and fluid creates a blister under your toenail which in turn can cause the nail to separate from the toenail bed and turn the toenail black.

Before you begin your training for Bix, make sure your shoes fit correctly.  As you run, your feet can swell to almost a full shoe size larger than its original size.  Make sure your toes have some room to expand, but not too much where your feet would slip forward in the shoe.  The best way to ensure your shoes are the right size for your feet is to get a proper fitting at a technical running shoe store.  Also, make sure you are properly lacing your shoes to keep your feet from sliding forward with each step you take. 

Training for Bix does not have to be harmful to your toes. Follow these steps to ensure your toes stay safe from these painful blisters under your nail.