I just talked to a reporter from the NY Times about runners surgically removing their toenails so they don't have to deal with blackened toenails.
I think I've lost one toenail ever and that was from dropping something on it, so I'm clearly not aware of the extent of this problem.
Anyone out there done this themselves or know of anyone (what about pros?) doing this? Sounds like it may be a thing more for the ultra types.
troll 1/10
I believe that Eric Clifton had all ten removed, he is definitely an "ultra type":
http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/MountainUltraTrail/Clifton_Eric.asp
I've seen this a number of times, usually on just the big toe. It's not as extreme as it sounds but it looks kinda odd. Mostly it's been marathoners, though sometime in the last week or two I met somebody who had it done as a result of an ingrown toenail.
My toes curl downward and each stride is like "stubbing" all my toes (except the big ones, they still go straight out). All that impact leaves me with chronic black toes. They're a mess, no matter how much I clip the nails. I'm also prone to blistering under my nails.
None of this causes me undue health problems - I never have an infection on or around the toes. It's primarily a cosmetic issue.
I've thought about toenail removal, since I'm removing a dead nail or two a week anyway. You post brings up an interesting possibility to discuss with my doctor.
Of course, let's not forget Marshall Ulrich, who is an "uber ultra".
Just make sure you go to a foot doctor for th ebest advice, not a family doctor or a surgeon. I once had an unnecessary operation on my toe by a family doctor/surgeon and it took a foot doctor to proscribe the right cure (proper trimming a soaking of th efoot to cure the infection). He asked me if I'd go to a foot doctor for a heart condition. Then why go to a regular doctor for your foot.
I've had this done. It was actually because of an ingrown toenail caused by crappy running shoes that did not fit well. The toenail itself has regrown but the "root" of the toenail has been taken out and will not grow back. So, an ingrown toenail on that toe is now impossible. I think this is what are referring too. It was the cause of an ingrown toenail, not of bruised or just plain shotty nails. And it was doctor informed and preformed.
Not a troll.
I am an ultrarunner and met a guy at a race who had all ten of his removed...he was wearing sandals and let me tell you, it was not a really attractive look.
DIIXC wrote:
He asked me if I'd go to a foot doctor for a heart condition. Then why go to a regular doctor for your foot.
That has to be one of the most retarded things I've ever heard.
So you only go to a regular doctor when your regular hurts?
The trolling by the founders of this site is admirable. World-class, even for a cyclist.
Glen Newpoint wrote:
troll 1/10
I bet you were so anxious to post that you peed in your pants.
You seem awfully giddy yourself.
DIIXC wrote:
He asked me if I'd go to a foot doctor for a heart condition. Then why go to a regular doctor for your foot.
Maybe because ingrown toenails don't tend to be life threatening and heart problems do?
Well, I am a surgeon....
And I can say, no, this is not a common problem, and it is uneccesary and probably a little dangerous in terms of long term nail health, infection, and increased risk of damage. Your toe nails are there for a reason.
Taking good care of your nails would be a better solution, the problem is most people do not take care of their feet very well.
Finally...it doesn't require surgery at all. All it requires is lidocaine, a digital block, and some pliers. And a strong stomach.
Despite what everyone is saying on here, using pliers to take off your toenails will lead to problems when the nail regrows, and it will (again despite what others are saying on here). And it is a problem I see on a daily basis, so it isn't rare at all. The proper technique of permanent nail removal involves little pain or disability when performed by a podiatrist. The use of NaOH or phenol to the nail matrix ensures that the offending portion of the nail, or the entire nail does not regrow. Don't do this at home.
We do this frequently in Gitmo. The screams those towelheads make bring us all a world of joy. And nothing is funnier than watching them try to walk afterwards.
Pity we're closing this place.
I agree, just get a good ole fashion pedicure once in a while and that should take care of the problem. A blacken toenail will eventually fall off, no need to 'alter' or get it surgically removed, too drastic in my opinion. Besides, if you're worried about how it looks, just get it 'painted' a nice shade of color.... ;)
Toenails?
I had a girlfriend who had all her teeth surgically removed, but that may be a story for another thread.
Obfucation
Why must it snow today wrote:
DIIXC wrote:He asked me if I'd go to a foot doctor for a heart condition. Then why go to a regular doctor for your foot.
Maybe because ingrown toenails don't tend to be life threatening and heart problems do?
Obfuscation, you miss the point. Surgeons and GPs don't know squat about feet. Yes, a heart condition is more serious than a foot problem but that doesn't mean you should seek a less informed opinion.