Ava Monroe
Curled toenails are often ingrown, which means they curve and grow into the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. They can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, cutting your toenails incorrectly, or underlying conditions such as toenail fungus, nail psoriasis, and drug-induced nail disease. To prevent curled toenails, it's important to wear properly fitted shoes and trim your nails straight across without cutting them too short. If you experience curled toenails, you can try home treatments such as soaking your feet in warm water and carefully lifting the ingrown nail out, but severe cases may require professional treatment by a podiatrist or doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of curled toenails | Pincer nails, spoon nails, ingrown toenails, onychogryphosis (ram's horn) |
| Causes of curled toenails | Toenail fungus, autoimmune conditions, nail psoriasis, iron deficiency, diabetes, biomechanical issues, ill-fitting footwear, toenail trauma, toenail cutting |
| Symptoms of curled toenails | Pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, discolouration, nail thickening, separation from nail bed |
| Treatment for curled toenails | Soak feet in warm water, use a nail care tool to lift the ingrown nail, use cotton or gauze to elevate the nail, apply antibiotic ointment, partial nail removal, laser or chemical therapy, surgery, medication, OnyFix |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail injuries
To prevent toenail injuries and reduce the risk of curled toenails, it is important to wear properly sized and fitted shoes, especially when exercising or playing sports. Keeping toenails trimmed and clean is also crucial, and using a file to smoothen the edges can help prevent ingrown nails. If you have sweaty feet, controlling moisture with antiperspirant sprays can reduce the risk of infections. Silicone or gel toe caps can provide extra protection and prevent blisters, irritation, and toenail loss.
In case of toenail injuries, it is important to assess the severity and seek medical attention if necessary. Minor injuries, such as a small bruise or bleeding, can be treated at home by stopping the bleeding and ensuring the nail is still attached. However, if there is blood under the toenail covering more than half of the nail area, it is crucial to seek professional help to drain the blood and relieve pressure. Toenail injuries can have a significant impact on daily life, and proper care is essential to prevent infections and promote healing.
If a toenail is lost due to an injury, it usually grows back within several months, but the new nail may have cosmetic changes in colour, shape, or texture. Repeated trauma to the toenails, often caused by ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities that resemble fungal infections. Thickened, discoloured, or lifted nails can be a concern, and seeking treatment from a podiatrist or foot specialist is recommended. They may suggest treatments such as OnyFix, a non-invasive procedure to correct the natural growth pattern of the toenail, or in severe cases, surgery to remove the nail matrix.
Additionally, certain medications and underlying conditions can increase the risk of toenail injuries and curled toenails. Chemotherapy drugs, lithium, and antibiotics have been linked to nail issues. Individuals with neuropathy, diabetes, or circulation issues are more susceptible to toenail injuries and may require evaluation by a healthcare provider to prevent further complications.
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Toenail fungus
To prevent toenail fungus, it is important to keep your nails short and clean. Use a file to keep your toenail edges smooth and use moisturisers for the cuticles. Wear shoes that fit correctly and leave ample space in the toe box. Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery to decrease moisture, and wear socks made of synthetic fibre, which “wicks” moisture away from your feet faster than cotton or wool socks. If you play sports or exercise a lot, bring an extra pair of socks so that you don't work out in damp socks. Moist environments can be breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria, which can cause infections in ingrown toenails.
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Poor nail cutting
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to avoid cutting your toenails at a sharp right angle. Cutting your nails this way will make it easier for the nail to pierce and grow into the skin. Instead, use a nail file to keep the edges smooth and prevent any sharp corners. If you are not sure how to properly cut your toenails, it is recommended to seek help from a chiropodist or podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues, as ingrown toenails can lead to dangerous infections.
Additionally, it is important to wear properly fitted footwear to prevent toenail complications. Tight shoes, such as high heels, can compress your toenails and increase the risk of ingrown toenails. When trimming your toenails, leave enough length so that they do not grow into the skin. For pincer nails, which taper and curl inward, it is recommended to let the free end grow out a little bit to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
If you play sports or exercise frequently, bring an extra pair of socks to avoid wearing damp socks, as moist environments can breed bacteria and fungi, leading to infections. It is also crucial to keep your toenails short, clean, and moisturized to promote healthy nail growth and prevent infections. Overall, proper nail care and management are key to preventing curled toenails and associated complications.
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Ill-fitting footwear
The proper fitting of footwear is essential in addressing and preventing curled toenails. Chiropodists and podiatrists emphasize the importance of wearing shoes that are the correct length and have a wide toe box. This design feature allows the toes to spread naturally, reducing friction and pressure on the affected nails. It is also recommended to prioritize footwear that minimizes pressure and provides adequate toe room to alleviate discomfort and prevent further nail distortion.
Athletes and individuals participating in high-friction sports, such as running, soccer, or ballet, are particularly susceptible to toenail issues due to the repetitive impact and pressure exerted on the toenails. The constant movement and friction from improper footwear during these activities can cause trauma to the toenail, leading to thickening, curling, and potential deformity. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals engaged in such activities to ensure their footwear fits properly and provides the necessary support to minimize the risk of curled toenails.
In addition to the physical effects of ill-fitting footwear, the emotional impact of dealing with curled toenails can also be significant. Curled toenails can cause pain and discomfort, disrupting daily life and affecting overall well-being. Seeking professional help from chiropodists or podiatrists is recommended to find tailored solutions for severe and underlying causes. Proper footwear is a crucial aspect of treating and preventing curled toenails, and it is essential to work with specialists to ensure the best outcomes.
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Underlying health issues
Curled toenails are often associated with underlying health issues. Here are some of the common underlying health issues that can cause toenails to curl:
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) are a common condition, affecting around 2.5-5% of the US population. It occurs when the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. The big toe is most commonly affected. Improper trimming of toenails and wearing tight shoes can contribute to this condition. Ingrown toenails can lead to infections if left untreated.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can cause toenails to curl and separate from the nail bed. This condition is often associated with pincer nails, a type of nail deformity that causes over-curvature. Toenail fungus can be treated with antifungal medications prescribed by a podiatrist.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune diseases, such as nail psoriasis, can alter the structure, colour, and texture of toenails, causing them to curl. Psoriasis can cause yellow or brown discolouration, tiny red spots, and pain due to debris formation under the nail. Corticosteroids and tazarotene are medications used to treat nail psoriasis.
Genetic Factors
In some cases, the shape of the nail, the amount of surrounding skin, and the shape of the toes can be hereditary factors that contribute to curled toenails. Certain genetic conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia, psoriatic arthritis, and cancer, have also been linked to curled toenails.
Age-Related Changes
Onychauxis is a nail condition that can be age-related, affecting individuals over the age of 75. It causes toenails to thicken, separate from the nail bed, and curl. Onychauxis can also lead to discolouration and pain.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist or dermatologist, to determine the underlying cause of curled toenails and receive appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Curled toenails can be caused by various factors, including ingrown nails, toenail fungus, viral infections, pre-existing conditions, improper nail trimming, ill-fitting shoes, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes or circulation issues.
Symptoms may include changes in nail colour, thickness, and texture. Complications can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and infection if left untreated.
Treatment options range from home remedies to medical procedures. For mild cases, soaking your feet in warm water, lifting the ingrown nail, and applying antibiotic ointment may help. For more severe or recurring cases, a podiatrist may recommend orthotics, antifungal medications, or surgery to remove the nail matrix or root.
To prevent curled toenails, it's important to maintain proper nail care. Keep your nails short, clean, and dry. Trim your nails straight across without cutting them too short or on a curve. Avoid ill-fitting shoes and tight socks, and always wear appropriate footwear in public places like gyms and swimming pools.
If you experience persistent pain, severe symptoms, or signs of infection, it's important to consult a healthcare provider, podiatrist, or chiropodist for professional treatment and guidance. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment options.
