Footcare and black toenails...

I have had numerous patients asking me about blisters and black toenails after running. There are many different products out there to care for your feet but the best care one can take is to keep ones feet clean. Short toenails, well cut and sanded will make all the difference in the world. The toenail, if too long (often just longer than a stub!) can hit the end of the shoe before the rest of the foot, causing damage to the bed of the nail. A weekly trimming with sanding can keep thoses toes perfect. After taking these precautions runners still get blisters and black toes from having a toe that sticks out longer than the rest. If the shoes selected do not have a longenough toe bed, one can cut out the end to make room for it, often a hidden adjustment that is not visible to the un-trained eye. As for blisters, often runners get blisters from hitting the end of their shoe as described, but also a slippery liner can also cause the same effect. Insoles that are later additions to the shoe are often the culprit.. so take care in selecting your orthodics as well.. a great orthodic is the brand SuperFeet, which is carried at REI or any other running store such as Boulder Running Company. Happy Trails! Doc Lisa