Do you have red spot under toenail?

Red spot under toenail – this is usually caused by bleeding under the toenail, even if not painful! Learn what to do about it right here!

Causes of red under the toenail:

Red under the toenail is more commonly known as a subungual hematoma. This is nothing more than a buildup of blood underneath the toenail or the fingernail. The downward constant pressure of wearing shoes or a traumatic injury can cause the vessels under the nail to rupture and bleed.  The blood then pools underneath the nail plate. This can sometimes lead to pain, but the majority of the time there is not severe pain.

Most common in runners and joggers:

The most common cause is in runners or joggers. Thus this injury is sometimes called runner’s or jogger’s toe.  This is due to poorly fitting shoes and not enough space underneath the front of the shoe.

• Poorly fitted shoes.
• Not enough space in the front of the toenail.
• Morton’s foot – short 1st toe puts pressure on the 2nd toe.

Diagnosis of red under the toenail:

• It can look black, red or even brown.
• It can be painful or not hurt at all.
• If it does hurt, the pain is a throbbing type.
• It can be small or take up the entire nail.
• There can be a large traumatic incident before the spot appears.
• There can be a history of new shoes being worn.
• There can be a history of new exercise or job being started recently.
• Running or jogging.
• Slamming toe or fingernail.

Consider 4 other causes to black toenails:

• Toenail Fungus.
• Subungual Hematoma.
• Pseudomonas Infection.
• Black Streaks Under The Nail.

Home treatment of red under the toenail:

If you are feeling extreme throbbing try the 5 following things:

1) Ice the toenail!

The first step is to take some ice and apply it to the jammed toenail to decrease the inflammation in the area.

• This will help decrease the immediate pain.
• This will also help decrease the healing time over the next few days.
• It will increase the odds of your toenail not falling off.

2) Put some pressure on it.

• Wrap it to stop the Toe From Swelling.
• Don’t make it too tight.
• You still want to feel the toe.

  

3) Anti-inflammatory medication.

If you are healthy enough(with podiatrist or pharmacist), it is a good idea to take some anti-inflammatory medications. These will help decrease the swelling and the pain.

• Decreases the pain.
• Increases the healing time.
• Increases chances of keeping the nail.

4) If it is still hurting - go see a podiatrist to have the blood drained.

The podiatrist can drill through your toenail and drain the blood out the bottom if the pain is still hurting. This is considered the ultimate treatment!

5) Prevention is the best medicine!

• Get your shoes fitted properly.
• Try a Brannock Device
• Measure the arch length, foot length and the foot width.
• Cut your toenails properly.
• Don’t leave the toenails too long.

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