Soccer Player Toenails Injury : How To Prevent It

If you’ve ever played soccer on the streets, you know the rush of adrenaline and pure joy that comes with each kick and dribble.

Whether you’re playing with friends or competing in a neighborhood match, street soccer brings us together and keeps our spirits soaring.

Yet, there’s one aspect of this gritty game that many of us share: losing toenails. Well, I’d say it’s a badge of honor and a common battle scar for most soccer players.

But, if you’re new to it or worried about the impact, don’t worry – I got you covered

In this article, I will address some of the most common concerns regarding playing soccer without a toenail.

And also talks about the causes of missing toenails, help you know whether you should play with one missing, and offer valuable tips to ensure safe and enjoyable play even in such circumstances.

Contents

Common Toenail Injuries in Soccer
Is It Still Possible To Play Soccer With A Missing Toenail?
Why Do Soccer Players Have Missing Toenails?
Can Playing Soccer Lead To Ingrown Toenails?
When Is It Safe To Play Soccer With Missing Toes?
Tips For Playing Soccer While Your Toenail Is Missing
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Common Toenail Injuries in Soccer

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the toenails grow into the surrounding skin. Soccer players are particularly susceptible to this condition due to repetitive kicking, running, and tight-fitting footwear.

Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful and may lead to infections if left untreated.

Black Toenails

Black toenails, also known as “subungual hematomas,” occur when blood accumulates beneath the toenail, causing it to turn black.

In soccer, black toenails typically result from trauma or repetitive pressure on the toes, such as kicking the ball or wearing improper footwear.

Bruised Toenails

Bruised toenails are caused by repetitive trauma to the toes, resulting in the accumulation of blood beneath the nail bed.

Soccer players are vulnerable to this injury due to the constant pressure exerted on the toes during play.

Toenail Avulsions

Toenail avulsions occur when the toenail is partially or completely torn off from the nail bed. This severe injury can result from a sudden impact, collision, or being stepped on during a match.

Is It Still Possible To Play Soccer With A Missing Toenail?

Soccer Player Toenails Injury : How To Prevent It

As a player myself, I’ve faced the “missing toenail” situation more times than I can count. It’s a familiar part of the game, and yes, sometimes it can get a bit hurtful.

When it comes to playing soccer with a missing toenail, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

In many cases, you can tough it out and continue playing without major issues. I’ve played soccer several times without it, and it’s a rite of passage for many of us.

However, there are instances when playing with a missing toenail is not advisable.

If your missing nail is a result of infection or the area is causing unbearable pain, it’s best to sit this one out and let your toe heal.

Here’s the thing – when you’re uncertain about whether to play or rest, that’s when to seek professional advice.

Consult your doctor or trainer to get a proper assessment and recommendation based on your situation.

Remember, your health and well-being are important.

Playing smart and knowing when to take a break will ensure you stay in the game for the long run.

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Why Do Soccer Players Have Missing Toenails?

Soccer players often have missing toenails due to a condition known as “runner’s toe” or “soccer toe,” which is a type of subungual hematoma.

This condition occurs when there is repetitive trauma or pressure applied to the toes, normally from the constant kicking of the ball or running during matches and training sessions.

Repetitive impact

Players repeatedly strike the ball with their feet during training and games.

This constant impact can lead to the toes repeatedly hitting the front of the shoes, causing microtrauma to the toenails and the nail bed.

Tight footwear

Soccer players often wear tightly-fitted cleats to improve their performance and provide better ball control.

However, these snug shoes can put extra pressure on the toes, leading to bruising and blood pooling under the toenails.

Stubbing or kicking objects

As we all soccer know, soccer is a fast-paced sport, and accidental stubbing of toes against the ground or colliding with other players’ feet often, this too can also cause injury to the toenails.

Prolonged physical activity

Soccer matches and training sessions can last for extended periods, exposing the players’ feet to continuous stress, which can contribute to the development of the runner’s toe.

When the toenail and surrounding tissue suffer repeated trauma, blood vessels may rupture beneath the nail, causing blood to collect under the nail bed.

This accumulation of blood creates pressure and pain, leading to a dark, bruised appearance of the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. O

ver time, the pressure may cause the toenail to detach from the nail bed, eventually resulting in a missing toenail.

Can Playing Soccer Lead To Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can be a problem for soccer players.

It happens when the toenail bends and grows into the skin, causing pain and sometimes infection.

The main reason for ingrown toenails in soccer players is wearing cleats that are too narrow or tight. These cleats can push the toenail into the skin, making it grow the wrong way.

Also, when the toes hit the top of the cleats over and over during play, it can hurt the toenails and make them ingrown.

Ingrown toenails can be painful and may stop players from playing soccer for a while. If ignored, they can get worse and even get infected.

The good news is that proper toenail cutting and wearing cleats that fit well can help prevent ingrown toenails.

By taking care of their feet and wearing the right shoes, soccer players can avoid this problem and keep playing their best on the field.

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When Is It Safe To Play Soccer With Missing Toes?

Playing soccer with missing toes is generally not recommended, as it can pose big risks and challenges.

Missing toes can affect a player’s balance, stability, and overall performance on the field. Also, the risk of injury and strain on the remaining toes and foot may increase due to the altered biomechanics.

The decision to play soccer after losing a toe (or toes) will depend on various factors, including the player’s health, mobility, and the specific circumstances of the missing toe(s).

You can wear cleats comfortably
There is no sign of infection
After losing the nail, the area doesn’t hurt anymore
Your new nail has already started growing.
You don’t even notice the missing nail while playing.

However, You should consult a medical professional, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a sports medicine specialist, before trying to play soccer or engage in any physically demanding activity.

The medical professional will assess your condition, consider your ability to adapt to the missing toe(s), and provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to return to play.

In some cases, prosthetic devices or specialized footwear may be recommended to support mobility and stability.

Tips For Playing Soccer While Your Toenail Is Missing

If you’re missing a toenail and want to play soccer, it’s usually okay. But to stay safe and prevent further issues, remember these simple tips:

Let the nail come off naturally; don’t pull it off.
Put tape over the area to protect it.
Wear cleats that fit well.
Keep the nail trimmed short as it grows back.

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Soccer Player Toenails Injury : How To Prevent It | 2023