Athletes and active individuals put their feet through a tremendous amount of stress. Whether you’re running, hiking, playing soccer, or participating in other high-impact sports, your toes are often the first point of contact with the ground and your footwear. Because of this, toe injuries are very common in sports. One of the most frequent nail injuries we see is a Subungual Hematoma.
A Subungual Hematoma occurs when blood collects underneath the nail, usually after trauma or repeated pressure on the toe. While it may look like a simple bruise, this condition can cause significant pain and sometimes requires medical treatment. At Foot & Ankle Care Of Colorado, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for sports-related nail injuries so patients can recover quickly and safely.
What Is A Subungual Hematoma?
A Subungual Hematoma is a buildup of blood beneath the nail plate, typically caused by damage to the small blood vessels under the nail bed. This often happens when the toe experiences a direct impact or repetitive pressure.
Common sports-related causes include:
- Dropping equipment on the foot
- Stubbing the toe during activity
- Tight athletic footwear pressing against the nail
- Repeated impact from running or hiking
- Sudden stops or direction changes during sports
The big toe is the most commonly affected because it tends to absorb the most force during movement.
Symptoms Of A Subungual Hematoma
The symptoms of a Subungual Hematoma can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In many cases, athletes notice the problem shortly after the trauma occurs.
Common symptoms include:
- Dark red, purple, or black discoloration under the nail
- Throbbing pain or pressure in the toe
- Tenderness when walking or wearing shoes
- Swelling around the nail
- A nail that begins to loosen or lift from the nail bed
In severe cases, the nail may eventually fall off as a new nail grows underneath.
Why Athletes Are More Prone To Subungual Hematomas
Athletes frequently experience Subungual Hematomas because sports activities often involve repetitive motion, sudden impact, and prolonged pressure on the toes. Activities such as trail running, soccer, basketball, skiing, and hiking place constant stress on the feet.
Poorly fitting shoes can make the problem worse. When toes repeatedly hit the front of the shoe during activity, the nail bed can become injured over time, leading to bleeding beneath the nail.
Proper footwear and early treatment are important to prevent the injury from worsening.
When To Seek Medical Care
Some mild Subungual Hematomas may resolve on their own, but you should consider seeing a podiatrist if:
- Pain becomes severe or throbbing
- The discoloration covers a large portion of the nail
- The nail begins to lift or detach
- You experience signs of infection such as redness or drainage
- Walking becomes difficult
Prompt treatment can relieve pain quickly and prevent complications.
How Foot & Ankle Care Of Colorado Treats Subungual Hematomas
At Foot & Ankle Care Of Colorado, we take a comprehensive approach to treating nail injuries and sports-related foot trauma. Our goal is to relieve pain, protect the nail bed, and help patients return to activity as quickly as possible.
Nail Decompression (Trephination)
If pressure has built up beneath the nail, we can create a small opening in the nail plate to drain the trapped blood. This simple procedure often provides immediate pain relief.
Nail Removal When Necessary
If the nail is severely damaged or partially detached, we may recommend removing the nail so the underlying tissue can heal properly.
Infection Prevention
If the injury has caused an open wound or signs of infection, antibiotics or topical treatments may be recommended.
Monitoring Nail Regrowth
Toenails grow slowly and may take several months to fully regrow. We monitor healing to ensure the nail grows back properly and without complications.
Preventing Subungual Hematomas In Sports
Athletes can reduce their risk of developing a Subungual Hematoma by taking a few simple precautions:
- Wear properly fitted athletic shoes with adequate toe space
- Keep toenails trimmed straight across
- Replace worn-out athletic footwear
- Use moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction
- Gradually increase training intensity
These steps help protect the toes and reduce repeated trauma during sports activity.
Protect Your Feet And Stay Active
A Subungual Hematoma may seem like a minor injury, but it can cause significant discomfort and interfere with athletic performance if left untreated. Early evaluation and treatment can relieve pain and prevent complications.
If you’ve experienced a toe injury during sports or notice dark discoloration under your nail, the specialists at Foot & Ankle Care Of Colorado can help diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment plan.
With proper care, you can return to the activities you enjoy with healthy, pain-free feet.
