There are so many places in Surprise to enjoy a nice run. From the convenient and picturesque Surprise Community Park to the rugged terrain of White Tank Mountain Regional Park, runners know the best places to go for a good workout. Just make sure you avoid black and blue toenails, which don’t look or feel very nice at all and can make it too painful to run.
Black and Blue Toenail Causes
A subungual hematoma is a fancy way of saying “bleeding under the toenail.” This is an extremely painful condition that is usually a result of trauma to the nail. For example,
stubbing your toes against a hard surface or dropping something heavy on them will most likely result in blood collecting under the nail. You will notice that your toenails become discolored. They may change from red or maroon to purple, black, or blue. There will also be swelling, tenderness, and pain. If you have suffered a crush injury that resulted in a hematoma, you should get checked out immediately to make sure you don’t have further injuries, such as a fracture.
Treatment for a Subungual Hematoma
Usually, a small hematoma will heal with no treatment. However, it can be a very painful problem to have, and nobody wants to suffer needlessly. Your doctor may perform a procedure called “decompression,” where they allow the blood to drain. Do not ever try this at home by yourself because it could cause great damage to your nail and your toes. To avoid a subungual hematoma, make sure you are wearing shoes that fit you properly and don’t cause your feet to slide around too much. Also, try applying ice to your feet after a run to reduce swelling.
For more information on preventing and treating subungual hematomas, call Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
