A fungal infection of the nail doesn’t discriminate. No one is immune. This painful condition can sneak up on anyone. If you’re a runner, you could be more at risk. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you take a few extra minutes every day to inspect your feet for early signs of toenail fungus.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Some people experience several symptoms, while others only experience one or two. There’s no way to predict how the infection will progress. Here are some early signs of toenail fungus to initially look for:
- Your nail growing in a distorted shape
- Crumbly nails
- Thickening nails
- The nail separating from the nail bed
- Yellowing nails
- Debris under the nail
- Foul odor
- Dull looking nails
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to start some type of treatment. Toenail fungus never goes away on its own. In fact, it only gets worse. Don’t allow it to get to the point where it interferes with your running.
How Does Toenail Fungus Thrive?
Fungi thrives in moist, dark, places. As a runner, you are more susceptible to the problem because of the fact that your feet and socks get wet when you run. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways you can avoid this.
Prevention Tips
It’s also impossible to completely eliminate the probability of getting a fungal nail infection, no matter how careful you are. The good news is that there are things you can do to help reduce the chances of having to deal with it. This includes:
- Purchasing socks made out of hemp or organic cotton, which absorb moisture better.
- Making sure you thoroughly wash your feet after a run.
- Wearing shoes that are the right size. Tight shoes cause your feet to sweat more.
- Wearing flip-flops or water shoes in a public shower facility.
- Soaking your feet, in a water and vinegar solution, on a regular basis.
It is important to note that if you’re a runner who is dealing with diabetes or certain types of vascular disease, this typically puts you at greater risk for a fungal infection.
We hope you found this information helpful. Should you have additional questions in regard to the early signs of toenail fungus, please don’t hesitate to contact us, either by phone or email.
