Sophia Delgado
Toenails play an important role in protecting the soft tissue beneath them and keeping the tips of the toes safe. While it is normal for toenails to grow slower than fingernails, several factors can cause them to stop growing, including trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions like diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Poor circulation can also significantly impact toenail growth, as the nails receive fewer oxygen and nutrients, which are crucial for healthy growth. In some cases, toenails may temporarily stop growing due to injuries or infections, but if the lack of growth persists, it is important to seek professional care as it may be a sign of an underlying health issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of toenails stopping to grow | Yes |
| Reasons for toenails stopping to grow | Trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions like diabetes and PAD, poor circulation, peripheral artery disease, fungal infections, nail injuries, chemotherapy, age, overall health, and hormones |
| Treatments for toenails stopping to grow | Medications, lifestyle adjustments, minimally invasive procedures, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, proper foot hygiene, regular toenail trimming, and protecting feet from injury |
| Time taken for toenails to grow back | 6 months to 2 years |
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What You'll Learn
Trauma to the nail
Trauma to the toenail can cause significant changes to the nail's structure. This can lead to toenail thickening, as damage to the nail's growth centre can result in the production of a thicker nail. In some cases, the entire nail or a portion of it may become loose or fall off, which is known as nail avulsion. Trauma can also cause retronychia, which refers to the abnormal growth of the nail underneath the skin fold, causing pain and discomfort. Nail splitting or ridging can also occur, affecting the nail's smooth appearance. In some cases, trauma can cause permanent nail changes.
Toenail trauma can occur in several ways, including accidental impact, repetitive stress, or irritation. Accidental impact can result from stubbing your toe, dropping a heavy object on your toe, or striking it against a solid surface. Athletes, runners, and hikers, for example, may experience runner's toe, a condition caused by repeated strain on the nail, resulting in a black toenail. Toenail trauma can also be caused by frequent rubbing or friction against shoes, known as microtrauma. This gradual disruption to the nail matrix can lead to stunted nail growth and chronic inflammation.
If you experience toenail trauma, it is important to avoid drilling, lifting, or trimming your toenail, as home treatments can further damage the nail bed and lead to complications. Instead, seek professional advice from a healthcare provider, especially if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or swelling. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a procedure called nail trephination to drain trapped blood, relieve pressure, and promote correct nail growth.
In summary, toenail trauma can lead to significant structural changes, including thickening, loosening, and abnormal growth. It can be caused by various factors, including accidental impact and repetitive stress or irritation. To ensure proper care and prevent further complications, it is crucial to seek professional advice and avoid attempting to treat severe cases at home.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Toenails generally grow slower than fingernails, but several factors can cause them to stop growing. Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main reasons for impaired nail growth. Nails require various nutrients, including biotin, vitamin E, iron, and zinc, to grow healthily. Insufficient intake of these nutrients can lead to slow or weak nail growth.
Zinc deficiency can cause white spots or bands on the nails, known as leukonychia. It can also lead to Beau's lines, which are horizontal ridges or dents in the nails. These ridges may also be caused by chemotherapy, damage from using artificial nails or gel manicures, injury to the nail, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), severe illness, or other underlying health issues. Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, also known as spoon nails. Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, and you may be able to hold a drop of water on the nail. Vitamin C deficiency can cause splinter haemorrhages, which appear as thin red, brown, or black lines under the nails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is crucial for healthy nail growth. It plays a vital role in forming keratin, the protein that makes up nails. A biotin deficiency can result in brittle, weak nails prone to breakage. Vitamin E is also essential for nail growth, as it promotes blood circulation to the nail bed, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients for proper growth.
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Poor circulation
Toenails typically grow slower than fingernails, at an average rate of about 1.62 millimetres per month. However, this growth rate can be influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and hormones. Slow toenail growth can indicate an underlying issue, and while it is normal for toenails to grow slower than fingernails, it is not normal for them to stop growing entirely. Poor circulation is one of the factors that can cause toenails to stop growing.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common vascular condition that affects blood circulation in the legs and feet, often caused by fatty buildup or plaque accumulation in the arteries. PAD can lead to a partial or complete blockage of the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the lower limbs. This loss of blood flow can have serious consequences, such as wounds that don't heal, potentially resulting in gangrene. PAD can also increase the likelihood of fungal infections in the nails, which can further contribute to nail damage.
The symptoms of PAD include cold feet and toes, discoloration of toenails, pain, tingling, or cramping in the legs, and slow or halted toenail growth. If left untreated, PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia (CLI), where pain may persist even at rest. It is important to seek medical advice if you suspect PAD or notice any of these symptoms, as early intervention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
To improve circulation and promote healthy toenail growth, lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing blood sugar levels and cholesterol are recommended. Proper foot hygiene, regular toenail trimming, and protecting the feet from injury are also crucial. For those with PAD, working closely with a vascular specialist is essential to manage the condition and monitor vascular health.
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
One of the symptoms of PAD is slowed or stopped toenail growth. This occurs because the capillaries beneath the nail bed require adequate blood flow to supply the necessary nutrients for nail growth. When there is a severe disruption in the blood supply, toenails can become brittle, change colour, or grow thicker, and may eventually crumble and break off. Poor circulation also increases the likelihood of fungal infections in the nails, which can cause further breakage.
Other symptoms of PAD include cold feet and toes, which may be accompanied by a tingling or numb sensation. Discolouration of the toenails, with a yellow or brownish tint, is also common. Individuals may also experience pain, aching, or cramping in the legs and feet, which is relieved by rest. In severe cases, PAD can lead to the development of non-healing sores on the legs or feet, which can progress to areas of dead tissue (gangrene) requiring amputation.
If you suspect you have PAD, it is important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection is crucial to prevent complications such as heart attack or stroke. Treatment options for PAD include angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy, which are minimally invasive procedures that do not require stitches or a hospital stay. Lifestyle changes can also help prevent PAD or slow its progression.
While slowed toenail growth can be a sign of PAD, it is important to note that there are other potential causes as well, such as fungal infections or nail injuries. Additionally, toenail growth can naturally slow down with age, and a reduction in hormones can impact toenail development. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of any changes in toenail growth.
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Infections
Toenails can stop growing due to several factors, including infections. While toenail problems can affect people of all ages, they are more common in older people.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections, such as tinea, are a common cause of toenail issues. These infections are spread from person to person and can affect both the fingernails and toenails. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections because fungi thrive in warm, wet environments, which shoes and socks provide. Symptoms of a fungal infection include yellow or dark discolouration, brittleness, and thickening of the nails. Left untreated, the nail bed can become infected, and the nail plate may eventually fall off, causing the nail to stop growing until the infection is cleared.
Fungal infections can be treated with antifungals, which are usually applied topically. Oral antifungal medications are also available and are equally effective. Over-the-counter and prescription products can treat nail fungus, but it may take up to 18 months for the fungus to grow out.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can occur with ingrown toenails, which typically affect the big toe. Ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and swelling. If left untreated, an infection can develop, characterised by discharge, warmth, and a foul odour. Treatment for ingrown toenails may involve soaking the affected foot in warm saltwater and applying antibiotic cream to the irritated area to prevent infection. In more severe cases, a doctor or podiatrist may need to remove part or all of the affected nail.
Other Infections
Other infections that can impact toenail growth include lichen planus, which causes the nail plate to split or layer as it grows off the nail bed. Additionally, people with diabetes or compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing fungal nail infections.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible for toenails to stop growing. This could be due to nutritional deficiencies, trauma to the nail, or medical conditions like diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition that can cause toenails to stop growing. It is caused by narrowed arteries due to fatty buildup, leading to poor blood flow and reduced nutrient and oxygen supply to the toenails. Other conditions include fungal infections, nail injuries, and psoriasis.
Signs that your toenails have stopped growing due to a medical condition include discolouration, brittleness, and thickness. You may also experience symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, or cold feet, indicating poor circulation.
If your toenails have stopped growing, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Consult a doctor or a specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve your overall health.
