The Chronic Runner’s Toe: Is It Time to Stop Modifying Your Gait and Start Surgery?

For many of our patients in the city, a morning run around Hyde Park or a weekend marathon is an absolute necessity of life. But if you find yourself constantly battling a bruised, blackened, or throbbing toenail, you may be doing more than just toughing it out.

At Harley Street Nail Specialist Clinic, we see many runners who unconsciously alter the way they strike the ground with their foot in an attempt to avoid putting pressure on the nail. This is known as modifying your gait, and although it may spare your toe the pain of today, it could result in problems with your knee or hip tomorrow.

The Cycle of Runner’s Toe

Repeated trauma caused by your trainers can cause the nail to lift, bleed, or become chronically ingrown. We see patients who have used every blister plaster and wide shoe available, but the problem persists.

If your nail is consistently blackened or bruised, appearing white, yellow, or crumbly, or if the surrounding area is consistently inflamed, it is no longer a badge of honour for a runner. It is a problem that requires a solution, and that solution is nail surgery in London.

When to Consider a Permanent Fix

We like to keep you active, but there comes a time when non-surgical methods such as taping or trimming are no longer sufficient. If your nail is constantly being injured or an infection has spread to the nail bed, we may suggest nail surgery at our clinic.

In most of these types of cases, we undertake a total nail removal. Although this sounds serious, it is sometimes the only way to completely remove the infected or damaged tissue. This procedure provides your foot with a fresh start, giving it the opportunity to grow a new, healthy nail.

Getting Back to Your Best

Our goal at Harley Street Nail Specialist Clinic is to have you back in your running shoes without the fear of that familiar ache. Surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic, and although you may have to rest for a short while, the end result of a pain-free stride is priceless.

So, if you have been suffering from pain while running or walking because of a damaged nail, book your consultation with our team today to discuss how nail surgery in London can get you back out there.

Please note that in case of emergencies, please note that we are not an out-of-hours service provider. Our team can be contacted as your first option only during our standard working hours. If you require urgent assistance outside of these hours, please contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest A&E department.