What causes thick toenails?
Thick toenails are a very common condition seen by podiatrists and can affect people of all ages. Thickened nails can become painful, difficult to trim and may even make wearing shoes uncomfortable. There are several causes of thick toenails, and understanding the underlying reason is important in determining the best treatment approach.
One of the most common causes of thick toenails is repeated microtrauma. This occurs when the nail is exposed to ongoing pressure or friction over time, often from footwear or certain activities such as running, hiking or sport. Tight shoes, shallow toe boxes and poorly fitting footwear can repeatedly irritate the nail plate, causing the nail to gradually become thicker and more damaged. This is especially common in active people and those who spend long hours on their feet.
Fungal nail infections are another leading cause of thickened toenails. Fungal nails often appear yellow, crumbly, discoloured or distorted and may slowly worsen over time if left untreated. Warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, communal showers, gyms and swimming pools can increase the risk of developing fungal nail infections. Sometimes fungal infections may also develop after nail trauma or damage to the nail bed.
Direct trauma can also lead to thick toenails. Dropping a heavy object on the toe, stubbing the toe or repetitive injury can damage the nail matrix, which is the area responsible for nail growth. Once damaged, the nail may grow back thicker, ridged or misshapen permanently.
At Oceanside Podiatry, podiatrists regularly assess and treat thick toenails using a range of professional podiatry treatments. Treatment may include careful nail reduction and thinning, management of fungal nail infections, footwear advice and education on proper nail care. In some cases, antifungal treatments or ongoing routine podiatry care may be recommended to keep the nails comfortable and manageable.
If you are struggling with thick, painful or difficult toenails, seeing a podiatrist can help improve comfort, reduce pain and prevent further nail damage. Early treatment is often the best way to manage thick toenails and maintain healthy feet.
For more information, you may schedule an appointment through our website and we’ll be happy to help.
