All You Need To Know About Thick Toenails

Toenail fungus can cause thickening of the toenail, as well as other changes in appearance. This can lead to pain and discomfort and should be treated promptly to prevent the infection from spreading further.

What are thick toenails?

Changes in your toenails may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis.

Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to fix and may require months of treatment. Therefore, the sooner you start treatment, the better!

What leads to toenail thickness?

The cells of your toenails accumulate with time, resulting in thick toenails. Aging, infection, and nail psoriasis are three potential reasons for thick toenails.

Aging

Your toenail thickness changes with age, which is normal. However, abnormal thickening should be checked by a podiatrist.

Issues with foot cleanliness can also impact the health of toenails. Mobility starts to decline in women and men as they age. According to research, it may be more challenging to scrub feet and trim toenails as a result of this lack of movement and decrease in hand strength. Seek help from a certified podiatrist if you are unable to handle foot care yourself.

Fungal nails

The most prevalent nail condition in the world is nail fungus.  Although there are certain particular tests and a variety of treatment options for nail fungus, none of them are completely successful. It takes time and persistence to address the issue.

Nail Psoriasis

A persistent inflammatory condition called psoriasis can result in skin lesions that are itchy and inflamed.

Some patients also get psoriasis on their nails, which makes them brittle and thick. Nail psoriasis has several different therapies available. The optimal course of action for your situation will be determined by your podiatrist.

Outline of toe injury psoriasis in the nails

Due to the frequent microtrauma caused by the toenails rubbing against the shoes, athletes are more likely to have toenail injuries. Paronychia is the medical term for an infection and injury to the skin around a damaged nail. At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.