Tennis toe, also known as runner's toe, is a common condition characterized by a subungual hematoma. This means blood collects under the toenail, usually the big toenail but sometimes affecting other toes. It's caused by repeated pressure or injury to the toe, forcing blood under the nail bed.
Causes and Symptoms
The repetitive impact from activities like running or playing tennis, especially when wearing ill-fitting shoes, frequently leads to tennis toe. The pressure causes tiny blood vessels under the nail to rupture, resulting in the characteristic blood pooling.
Symptoms typically include:
- Pain: A throbbing pain in the affected toe is common.
- Discoloration: The toenail will appear dark, purplish-blue, or black due to the trapped blood.
- Tenderness: The toe will be tender to the touch.
- Swelling: Some swelling may be present around the affected toenail.
Treatment
Treatment often involves simple self-care measures:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the toe is crucial.
- Ice: Applying ice packs can reduce swelling and pain.
- Elevation: Keeping the foot elevated helps reduce blood pooling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
In some cases, a doctor might need to drain the blood from under the nail to relieve pressure and prevent further complications. This is usually a minor procedure.
