Nail Problems in Athletes: Common Issues and How to Prevent Them
Athletes subject their feet to immense pressure through constant running, jumping, and pivoting, which can lead to a variety of nail problems. These issues, while often overlooked, can have a significant impact on an athlete’s performance and overall foot health.
At Align Foot & Ankle, we offer treatments for a range of nail-related issues that can help athletes stay active and in peak condition. Let’s explore the most common nail problems faced by athletes and how you can prevent them from sidelining your performance.
Common Nail Problems in Athletes
1. Black Toenails (Subungual Hematoma)
Black toenails are a frequent problem for athletes, especially runners. Repeated trauma to the toenail—often caused by the toe hitting the front of the shoe—can cause blood to pool under the nail, leading to a blackened appearance. Although usually harmless, black toenails can be painful and uncomfortable.
Prevention Tips:
- Make sure your shoes fit properly, with ample room in the toe box.
- Keep toenails trimmed to minimize pressure and friction inside your shoes.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry and reduce friction.
2. Ingrown Toenails
Athletes involved in sports that require tight footwear or constant footwork (like soccer, basketball, or ballet) are particularly prone to ingrown toenails. This occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and potentially infection if left untreated.
Prevention Tips:
- Trim toenails straight across, avoiding curved edges.
- Wear shoes with sufficient toe space to avoid crowding.
- Seek early treatment to prevent infection or the need for more invasive procedures.
3. Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus is a common issue among athletes, particularly those who sweat heavily in their shoes or use communal locker rooms and showers. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, leading to thickened, discolored nails that may become brittle over time.
Prevention Tips:
- Change socks frequently and allow shoes to air out after workouts.
- Use flip-flops in communal showers and locker rooms to avoid direct contact with fungus.
- Early intervention with antifungal treatments, such as topical creams or laser therapy, can help prevent the fungus from spreading.
4. Toenail Trauma
Athletes are susceptible to trauma from contact sports or dropping heavy equipment on their toes. This type of trauma can cause the nail to crack, split, or even detach entirely, which may require months to fully heal.
Prevention Tips:
- Wear protective footwear during high-risk activities or sports.
- Use toe guards or gel pads to minimize impact and protect nails.
- Address trauma early with proper care to avoid long-term nail damage.
5. Thickened or Brittle Toenails
Repetitive impact from running, jumping, or other high-intensity activities can lead to toenails becoming thick, brittle, or discolored. These changes can also be a sign of underlying deficiencies in essential nutrients that affect nail health.
Prevention Tips:
- Ensure shoes provide proper cushioning to reduce stress on your toenails.
- Maintain good nail hygiene by keeping nails trimmed and clean.
- Address any signs of brittleness or discoloration with appropriate supplementation.
How Align Foot & Ankle Can Help
At Align Foot & Ankle, we specialize in treating the unique foot and nail problems that athletes face. Here’s how we can help:
- Onyfix for Ingrown Toenails: This non-invasive treatment helps correct the nail’s growth without the need for surgery or downtime.
- Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus: Our advanced Remy Class IV laser therapy targets fungal infections at their root, promoting clear nail growth and reducing the risk of recurrence.
- Custom Orthotics: Proper foot support can reduce nail trauma by ensuring your foot is properly aligned, especially during high-impact activities.
- EBM EB-L1 Supplements: Designed for the metabolic management of deficiencies associated with brittle, discolored, or irregular nails, EB-L1 supports healthier nail growth by addressing underlying nutritional imbalances.
- KeryFlex: This innovative treatment can act as a placeholder for a nail that is growing out, helping to prevent ingrown nails while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Nails as an Athlete
To prevent nail issues from affecting your performance, follow these habits for healthy nails:
- Keep Your Feet Dry: Fungus thrives in moist environments, so changing socks and keeping shoes dry are critical.
- Trim Nails Properly: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to reduce the risk of ingrown nails.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with adequate room in the toe box and ensure they provide the right level of support for your sport.
- Inspect Your Feet Regularly: Check your nails and feet for any early signs of damage, discoloration, or fungal infection, and seek treatment promptly.
Keep Your Nails Strong and Healthy for Every Activity
Nail health is crucial for everyone, whether you’re a professional athlete or simply enjoy staying active with hobbies like running, pickleball, or hiking. Even minor nail issues, such as ingrown toenails or fungal infections, can disrupt your ability to participate fully in the activities you love.
At Align Foot & Ankle, we offer comprehensive care tailored to your active lifestyle. From Onyfix for ingrown toenails to Remy Class IV laser therapy for fungal infections, we use advanced, minimally invasive treatments to keep your nails in top condition. Custom orthotics ensure proper foot alignment, reducing nail trauma during high-impact activities, while EBM EB-L1 supplements address nutritional deficiencies that lead to brittle or discolored nails.Whether you’re aiming to improve performance or just stay comfortable in your day-to-day activities, don’t let nail problems slow you down. Contact Align Foot & Ankle today to learn how we can help keep your nails healthy and strong for any adventure!
