What are thick nails?
Thick toenails are nails that have thickened. Thickened toenails can cause problems with footwear fitting correctly, are difficult to cut and are often viewed as unsightly. If a toenail is very thick and is left untreated, the pressure placed on the nail bed can lead to an ulcer forming under the nail plate.
What causes thick nails?
Thickened toenails have a number of causes, the most common being fungal infections and trauma, for example dropping something heavy onto the toe or 'stubbing' it.
Thickened toenails may also be caused by:
- Ill- fitting and tight footwear
- Some medical conditions
- Aging
- Poor circulation
What should I do if I have thick nails?
If you are suffering with thickened toenails and you want them treated our podiatrists can advise on this and make your nails more comfortable and more aestheticaly pleasing. Depending on what you want to achieve treatment for thickened toenails may include:
- Anti-fungals
- Thinning/reducing the nail
- Nail reconstruction
- Footwear advice
- Nail surgery