My big toe nail is about to fall off due to some sort of trauma suffered during one of my long training days. I’ve been waiting for it to come off, and now it’s ready. Once it does fall off, I’m going to be left with a toe without a nail. Should I be concerned about this? Should I tape it up or cover it? What should I do, if anything at all?
Thanks,
Adam
My second toe on my left foot has no nail. That’s becuase I had part of it removed about 10 years ago. I used to miss it, but I don’t anymore.
Once it falls off (assuming you didn’t pull it off before it is ready to drop off) there should be a new nail already grown underneath.
Hey, I have a crazy idea! See a doctor.
I lost two minutes off my mile pace since loosing my toe nail and have never been able to recover the speed.
I lost four recently (too small shoes – I know, stupid). It took a few months, but the nails are back, good as new and ready for their summer pedicure:)
That IS crazy talk. You don’t need to see a doctor if your toenail is coming off unless you have complications.
For some of us, losing toenails is a regular event - I normally have at least one falling off or growing back. It’s not particularly painful and doesn’t require any attention.
What davet said: when it is ready to come off, there should be one growing underneath. No need to cover it or anything - it should be ok. It will take a** loong** time to grow back, though.
My experience:
Damage done on Feb 21st(off-road half marathon on very, very steep trail; hammering the downhills was my downfall as I couldn’t run for a week afterwards, my big toe had swollen up so much.)
Toe nail fell off one month later after being black and blue the whole time.
Here it is 4 months later and my little piggie is just beginning to look normal again. I don’t expect my toenail to look completely normal for another 2 months. That’s a full 6 months from the original incident.
You guys are spoiling my fun 
.
I lost both big toe nails as a result of the wet Lake Placid run last year. The doctor told me a toe nail takes 10 months to grow back and there’s nothing to do except wait for them to grow back. She was about correct - by May both my toe nails were totally normal. After that, I bought running shoes a 1/2 size larger and hope not to repeat the problem.
“I lost two minutes off my mile pace since loosing my toe nail and have never been able to recover the speed.”
shouldn’t that make you more aero?
Wear sandals and show off your gnarled feet with pride.