A bruised toenail is blood collected under the nail plate. The professional term is subungual haematoma. It forms after a knock or from a tight shoe. If it is small, does not hurt and the nail holds firm, waiting is usually enough: the haematoma moves up as the nail grows.
The nail turned dark blue after a knock
It only takes a bump against furniture or something heavy dropping on your toe. The nail, often on the big toe, turns dark blue, purple or almost black, it throbs, and your shoe starts to pinch. Sometimes several nails darken at once.
We assess and work on the nail
If the nail hurts when pressed, feels loose, is lifting, or the haematoma covers a large part of it, show it to a podologist. We ask how the injury happened and assess the nail. If it is damaged, we work on it, trim what catches and protect the nail bed.
You know what happens next with the nail
You leave with advice for the time the nail grows out: how to protect it in your shoes, how to trim it and what to watch for. We also book a check-up to see how the new part of the nail grows. If the nail stays misshapen after the injury, you can later consider toenail reconstruction.
Not every bruised nail needs a procedure. If watching it is enough, we will tell you so directly and will not suggest anything you do not need. We set aside as much time as it takes to answer all your questions calmly, without rushing.
When a change needs another specialist, we will tell you who to see. After that consultation you are welcome to come back to us with a nail that needs care or protection while it grows out.
The price depends on the condition of the nail and the scope of work. Your podologist confirms the final amount after assessing the nail.
What should I do right after hitting my toe?
First cool the toe: apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel or other cloth and raise your foot. Wear loose shoes that do not press on the nail. Do not pierce the nail yourself. If the pain is severe, the toe swells or is hard to move, see an orthopaedic specialist straight away to check for a fracture.
When will a bruise under the toenail go away?
A haematoma under the nail does not fade like a bruise on the skin. The dark patch grows out with the nail, and toenails grow slowly, so it takes months. The coloured part is trimmed bit by bit once it reaches the free edge. Until then, do not try to scrape it or lift it.
My bruised toenail hurts. What can I do?
If the pain throbs and makes walking hard, do not wait for it to pass. Message or call us and we will book a visit to assess the nail. If the nail is loose, we will work on it so it presses less. In most cases the procedure is well tolerated. For a sensitive toe we use soothing products.
A dark mark appeared without any injury. What could it be?
We do not guess or assess such changes, including from photos. A dark patch that appeared without an injury, or does not move up as the nail grows, needs a different kind of assessment. A dermatologist should look at it. Please do not put this visit off.
Will a nail with a haematoma fall off?
Sometimes, yes, especially when the haematoma is large or the nail is badly damaged. The old nail then comes away gradually while a new one grows underneath. Do not speed this up or pull off a loose nail yourself. When it starts to lift, come in and we will work on it carefully.
I get bruised toenails from my shoes. Is that an injury too?
Yes. Repeated pressure from a shoe, for example when running or in shoes that are too tight, causes a haematoma just like one hard knock. Check your shoe size and the way you tie your laces. If you notice the nail lifting from the nail bed, book a visit before it starts catching on your socks.