I've always had weak nails and I've had both big toe nails operated on because they were ingrown. Last night during training another student brushed past my foot (very slight contact) and my toe nail started to bleed where it had been pulled up (his toe must have caught under my nail slightly).

 

While I was sorting it out I missed 5 minutes of valuable warm-up time, but more importantly than that I am now a little anxious about something more serious happening. If I was to get a more forceful knock to them I'm worried they could easily be badly split.

 

What can I do to help prevent this? Would drinking far more milk help strengthen them int he long term? Is it worth wearing plasters on both big toes every time i train to prevent them getting caught or snagged?

 

I have tried to keep them cut as short as possible as well so it's not like they were very long. The incident last night was nothing and doesn't hurt at all now but I see it as kind of a wake up call. I need to do more to protect them or strengthen them.

 

Tips?

Well, taking a good vitamin and mineral supplement could help your nails. Keep them cut as short as possible (it's a good thing for any martial artist to do anyway). Also, see if your local chemist has anything you can paint on them (no, not nail varnish!) to strengthen your nails.

 

If you think that your toenails could get caught regularly, then wear plasters or tape over them. Boots makes an excellent padded strapping tape - I've used it a lot in MA classes and I really recommend it. Tesco's own strapping tape is another good one.

 

Also, you could maybe have a chat with your instructor and ask him if it would be OK for you to wear martial arts shoes, as you have a problem with your nails.

Short nails Good.

 

Long Rapter claws Bad.

 

There is a nail strenghtening anti-fungal on the market. I just can't remember what the name of the stuff is....

 

I would put a band aid over it then cover it with tape before training.

 

Just remember to remove it and give it a good washing afterwards to

 

avoid an infection or nail fungus.

I take a suppliment called Vegetal Silica. It is so great for hair and nails. I had a bad habit of biting my fingernails and when I was trying to grow them out I took Vegetal Silica as well. it really helped strengthened them.

Silica is a crucial mineral that rejuvenates hair, nails, dry skin, connective tissue and bone

 

Silica is also found in plants belonging to the horsetail family. These plants absorb silica from the ground and deposit it in their cells. Babies have the most silica, which accounts for their flexibility. Silica forms collagen, which gives the skin a youthful glow and elasticity that prevents wrinkles. The condition of collagen, under the skin, determines the appearance of the skin. Vegetal Silica strengthens collagen from the inside. Vegetal Silica also strengthens nails, hair, skin and the entire connective tissue system, including the tendons and cartilage. Silica also protects the immune system.

 

As with the body stores of many substances, silica levels tend to decline as we get older. This decline can be responsible for many of the complaints commonly associated with ageing. The following is a list of problems that have been linked to silica deficiencies:

 

· Dry hair

 

· Dry skin

 

· Weak, thin, brittle nails

 

· Weak bone structure (silica maximises absorption of calcium by the bones)

 

· Nervousness

 

· Poor energy levels

 

· Sweaty odorous feet

 

· Diabetes (the pancreas has the highest content of silica in the body and diabetics routinely require additional amounts of silica)

 

· Hair loss

 

· Sties on the eyelids

 

· Flabbiness of the skin (silica is necessary for collagen synthesis which helps form the framework for the skin, keeping it firm and unwrinkled)

 

· Arthritis (silica is required in the formation of articular or joint cartilage)

 

A supplement is often required because today's soil and the grains and cereal it produces are depleted of nutrients and silica. While silica is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, there are very few foods that have a high enough silica content to supply your dietary needs.

talk to a pediatrist (foot specialist doctor guy) if its a serious problem. also, why dont you just protect your feet, toes, in class? hell, maybe just a bandaid wrapped around the nail will help support it and keep it together.

Some great advice guys, thank you!