Blisters & Black Toes

Hi, Friends & Fellow Runners:

Here’s the latest question that I’ve fielded from a National Post reader, along with my answer published in the newspaper’s EachCoach running column:

Q.  Ran the hypothermic in Ottawa this morning and banged up my toes, couple evil looking blisters, and I seem to have a recurring problem of bruising my right big toe, and both my second toes are perpetually black (for the past two years).  I’m a mid-foot striker; I don’t plant my toes first when I run.  I tried smaller and larger shoes, different brands, no difference.  Tried lacing my shoes differently, same result.  As I increase my distances, there is no let up for the toes.  Help?

A. It seems you may have a hammertoe problem.  And the primary solution lies with proper footwear, as you surmised.  But that doesn’t mean it’s limited necessarily to running shoes.  It could be rooted in your street shoes; work or snow boots; or the width and material of your socks (thick cotton is definitely a no-no).  And female runners with the problem could be experiencing the adverse affects of wearing high heels in the office or on social occasions.  In addition to checking out all your footwear, you could try inserting a soft pad cut to fit the affected area and reduce pressure on the toes.

Coach Stephen