Toenail Trauma: What to Do If You’ve Injured Your Nail

Hurt Your Toenail? Here’s What You Need to Know

Stubbed your toe? Dropped something heavy on your foot? Squeezed your toes into tight shoes?

If your toenail has gone black, started to lift, split, or even fallen off completely—you’re probably dealing with toenail trauma. And yes, it can be just as painful and frustrating as it sounds.

At Coventry Foot Doctor, we see toenail injuries all the time—from sports injuries and dropped weights to tight shoes or simply catching your nail on furniture.

Some injuries are minor. Others need a bit more attention to prevent infection or long-term nail damage.

Common Signs of Toenail Trauma

If you’ve recently hurt your toe, here’s what to look out for:

• Black or dark red nail – Often caused by blood pooling under the nail (a subungual haematoma)

• Nail lifting or separating from the nail bed

• Cracks, splits, or jagged edges

• Swelling, redness, or throbbing pain

• Loose nail or one that has fallen off entirely

• Bleeding around or under the nail

Even if it looks dramatic, not all nail injuries are serious—but some do need proper care to heal correctly.

What Causes Toenail Trauma?

There are a few common culprits:

✔ Stubbing your toe or hitting it against furniture
✔ Dropping something heavy on your foot
✔ Tight or narrow shoes that press on the nails
✔ Repetitive impact – from running, hiking, or kicking
✔ Poor nail cutting technique – cutting too short or at an angle
✔ Sports injuries – especially in football, martial arts, or running

First Aid for a Toenail Injury

Here’s what to do right after the injury:

1. Stop the Bleeding

Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.

2. Clean the Area

Use lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh disinfectants.

3. Protect the Toe

Use a clean dressing or plaster to cover the area if the nail is damaged or bleeding.

4. Ice and Elevate

If there’s swelling, use a cold compress and keep your foot elevated for a bit.

5. Avoid Tight Shoes

Stick to roomy, soft footwear to prevent more pressure on the nail.

When to See a Podiatrist

• If your nail is black or very painful

• If your nail is lifting or has come off completely

• If there’s pus, swelling, or signs of infection

• If the nail isn’t growing back normally after a few weeks

• If you have diabetes or poor circulation

At Coventry Foot Doctor, we can help you:

• Safely remove damaged or detached nail (if needed)

• Clean and dress the area to prevent infection

• Treat underlying bleeding or pressure under the nail

• Advise on nail regrowth or reconstruction

• Monitor for fungal infections or long-term nail changes

Will the Nail Grow Back?

In most cases, yes—but it can take time.

A toenail that’s fallen off completely may take 6–12 months to grow back fully. Sometimes, it grows back with a slight change in shape or thickness, especially if the nail bed was damaged.

We’ll monitor your progress and guide you if the nail doesn’t look right as it regrows.

Don’t Ignore a Nail Injury

Toenail trauma might seem like a minor inconvenience—but if not treated properly, it can lead to long-term problems like ingrown toenails, infections, or permanent nail deformity.

If your toenail looks concerning or it’s causing discomfort, let us take a look.

Book Your Appointment Today

Whether it’s a black nail, a split, or one that’s fallen off—we’re here to help.
Contact us at Coventry Foot Doctor and get expert care to protect and restore your toenail health.