Avoid putting weight on the injury and apply an ice pack for 10–20 minutes at a time. Wrap or bandage the area to reduce swelling and elevate the foot above the heart when lying or sitting. Soak an injured toenail in warm water or Epsom salts. Apply a numbing cream or spray to an injured toenail.

It’s best to stay off pointe for two to three days to allow your nail to properly adhere. Then, apply Microfoam tape daily before dancing to compress and cushion the nail. How to prevent it: Keep your toenails cut to the edge of your toe.

Bruised Toenails After bruising, ice the foot to soothe the pain. And regularly clean the area to prevent infection. “The dried blood under the nail bed is a breeding ground for bacteria,” says podiatrist Dr. Thomas Novella, who works with New York City dancers.

A minor subungual hematoma usually heals over time without treatment. The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take 2–3 months for a fingernail, and up to 9 months for a toenail.

Can a Bruised Toenail be Treated? Bruised toenails cause pain due to the swelling that happens when it is injured. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), you can alleviate the pain of a bruised toenail with “rest, ice, elevation, and compression of the toe”.

about 12-15 hours
How long do pointe shoes last? You can usually expect about 12-15 hours of wear from a pair of pointe shoes. To get the most out of that lifespan, follow some basic care principles. Because they are made of natural materials, most pointe shoes break down when wet.

With a subungual hematoma, the pain typically goes away in a few days. The nail itself will take longer to recover. The discolored nail will eventually grow out — or in some cases it may fall off or need to be removed — and be replaced by a new, healthy one.

Home treatments for a stubbed toe

1. Rest. Stop using your toe, lie down, and let your body recover.
2. Ice. Use ice to numb the pain and reduce swelling.
3. Compression. Wrap your toe, or the entire end of your foot and toes, with an elastic bandage to provide support and keep swelling under control.
4. Elevation.

Dancing on pointe can cause a number of injuries to the shins, ankles, and feet. If left untreated, certain injuries could eventually lead to permanent damage. These risks are usually only a problem for professional dancers who need to stay on pointe for extended periods of time.